Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1825.pdf/30

29 Literary Gazette, 20th August, 1825, Page 541

THE SLAVE SHIP. No surge was on the sea, No cloud was on the day, When the ship spread her white wings, Like a sea-bird on her way.

Ocean lay bright before, The shore lay green behind, And a breath of spice and balm Came on the landward wind.

There rose a curse and wail, As that vessel left the shore; And last looks sought their native land, Which should dwell there no more!

Who seeing the fair ship That swept through the bright waves, Would dream that tyrants trod her deck, And that her freight was slaves!

By day was heard the lash, By night the heavy groan; For the slave's blood was on the chain That festered to the bone!

Was one in that dark ship, A prince in his own land; He scorned the chain, he scorned the threat — He scorned his fetter'd hand.

He called upon his tribe, And said they might be free! And his brow was cold and stern, As he pointed to the sea.

Next night a sullen sound Was heard amid the wave! The tyrants sought their captives,--- They only found their grave.