The Malay -- took the Pearl

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The Malay -- took the Pearl --
Not -- I -- the Earl --
I -- feared the Sea -- too much
Unsanctified -- to touch --

Praying that I might be
Worthy -- the Destiny --
The Swarthy fellow swam --
And bore my Jewel -- Home --

Home to the Hut! What lot
Had I -- the Jewel -- got --
Borne on a Dusky Breasty --
I had not deemed a Vest
Of Amber -- fit --

The Negro never knew
I -- wooed it -- too --
To gain, or be undone --
Alike to Him -- One --

© Emily Dickinson