Page:Memoir and poems of Phillis Wheatley, a native African and a slave.djvu/104

98 "To act in bounties unconfined,

"Enlarge the close contracted mind,

"And fill it with thy fire."

Quick as the word, with swift career,

He wings his course from star to star,

And leaves his bright abode,

The virtue did his charms impart;

There Gy! then thy raptured heart

Perceiv'd the rushing God:

For then thy pitying eye did see

The languid muse in low degree;

Then, then at thy desire,

Descended the celestial Nine;

O'er me, methought they deigned to shine,

And deigned to string my lyre.

Can Afric's Muse forgetful prove?

Or can such friendship fail to move

A tender human heart?

Immortal Friendship laurel crowned,

The smiling Graces all around,

With ev'ry heavenly Art.