Anne Rutledge

Out of me unworthy and unknown
The vibrations of deathless music;
"With malice toward none, with charity for all."
Out of me the forgiveness of millions toward millions,
And the beneficent face of a nation
Shining with justice and truth.
I am Anne Rutledge who sleep beneath these weeds,
Beloved in life of Abraham Lincoln,
Wedded to him, not through union,
But through separation.
Bloom forever, O Republic,
From the dust of my bosom!

Questions for Anne Rutledge:
Was Anne Rutledge the lost love of Abraham Lincoln? Click to discover.

Anne Rutledge
This poem is based on the real Anne Rutledge, the daughter of New Salem tavern keeper James Rutlege. Anne knew Lincoln and after she died of a "fever" she was regarded by the local people as the one true love of Lincoln's life. The poem greatly popularized the romance story and is the most popular poem.