1965
Compensation
Composed by 
Simon Sargon
Simon Sargon Text by 
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar Jump Back! Song Collection
"Compensation" is the second song of Simon Sargon's song cycle Jump Back!: African American Poetry in Song. The cycle sets five poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar.
The audio selection provided features Barbara Hill Moore, soprano, and Richard Gordon, piano. Used with the permission of the composer.
Text
Compensation
by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Because I had loved so deeply,
Because I had loved so long,
God in His great compassion
Gave me the gift of song.
Because I have loved so vainly,
And sung with such faltering breath,
The Master in infinite mercy
Offers the boon of Death.
Audio
“Compensation” (from “Jump Back!”)
Barbara Hill Moore (soprano) & Richard Gordon (piano)2:15