In vain I was forbidden to write, for when everybody went to bed, I used to light a piece of candle, and when at my leisure I copied the best verses thinking that I could imitate these, I would become a poet.


The Life of the Negro Poet Written by Himself (1840)

Juan Francisco Manzano Quotes

In vain I was forbidden to write, for when everybody went to bed, I used to light a piece of candle, and when at my leisure I copied the best verses...

In vain I was forbidden to write, for when everybody went to bed, I used to light a piece of candle, and when at my leisure I copied the best verses...

In vain I was forbidden to write, for when everybody went to bed, I used to light a piece of candle, and when at my leisure I copied the best verses...

In vain I was forbidden to write, for when everybody went to bed, I used to light a piece of candle, and when at my leisure I copied the best verses...