Original manuscript draft of Longfellow’s poem “The White Czar,” three pages on two sheets, lightly lined, 7.75 x 9.75, signed at the conclusion, “Henry W. Longfellow.” Early secretarial draft to which Longfellow adds an emendation, explanatory note, and additional stanza in his own hand. Poem begins: “Dost thou see on the rampart's height / That wreath of mist, in the light / Of the midnight moon? O, hist! / It is not a wreath of mist; / It is the Czar, the White Czar, / Batyushka! Gosudar!” Below the first stanza, Longfellow adds, “Second stanza on last page.” On the final page, Longfellow pens the second stanza: “He has heard, among the dead, / The artillery roll o'erhead; / The drums and the tramp of feet / Of his soldiery in the street; / He is awake! the White Czar, / Batyushka! Gosudar!" An explanatory note above reads: “The White Czar is Peter the Great. Batyushka, Father dear, and Gosudar, Emperor, are titles the Russian people are fond of giving to the Czar.” Repaired full separations to three horizontal folds, toning and small tears to edges, and main writing, Longfellow’s signature, and explanatory note light but legible, otherwise fine condition. This version of the poem differs somewhat from the finished product, which was published in the Atlantic Monthly in 1878—the most significant being changes from “Dwina” to ‘Volga’ and “Through forest” to ‘Over desert.’ A remarkable poem typical of Longfellow’s style and subject, featuring a set meter and rhyme scheme and incorporating historical themes with natural ones. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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