Page:Hannah More (1887 Charlotte Mary Yonge British).djvu/82

70 religious, and had taken Holy Orders. As curate of Olney, he had made a deep impression on Cowper's mind, probably over-exciting that morbid temperament; and his rebukes to the wickedness of the place, in especial an endeavour to prevent the orgies of the fifth of November, had led to a riot with violence, that, for his wife's sake, made him leave Olney. Mr. Thornton, Wilberforce's brother-in-law, had given him the living of St. Mary Woolnoth, and there Hannah More made acquaintance with him, and commenced a lasting friendship and correspondence.

Under this influence, Cowper was writing indignant and pathetic verses upon slavery, and Miss More did her part in a poem, which certainly was not without effect.

There is something absolutely fine in the outburst— And thou, White Savage, whether lust of gold, Or lust of conquest rule thee uncontroll'd, Hero or robber! by whatever name, Thou plead thy impious claim to wealth as fame.

In reason's eye, in wisdom's fair account, Your sum of glory boasts a like amount, The means may differ but the end's the same, Conquest is pillage with a nobler name, Who makes the sum of human blessings less, Or sinks the stock of general happiness.

Though erring fame may grace, though false renown His life may blazon or his memory crown, Yet the last Audit shall reverse the cause, And God shall vindicate His broken laws.