rutledge Q Ann 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 Ann Rutledge who sleeps 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! by Edgar Lee Masters, in "Spoon River Anthology," 1916 Ann Rutledge, 1813?-1835, was an innkeeper's daughter in New Salem, Illinois. She was linked in romantic speculation to Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865), who lived in the same town and was a couple of years older. It is known that her death grieved Lincoln deeply. At the time of her death, she was engaged to Lincoln's friend John McNamar. 000930 what's it to you? who go blather from