Page:Memoir and poems of Phillis Wheatley, a native African and a slave.djvu/88

82 The heir of bliss? With a superior air

Methinks he answers with a smile severe,—

"Thrones and dominions cannot tempt me there."

But still you cry, "Can we the sigh forbear,

"And still, and still must we not pour the tear?

"Our only hope, more dear than vital breath,

"Twelve moons revolved, becomes the prey of death;

"Delightful infant, nightly visions give

"Thee to our arms, and we with joy receive;

"We fain would clasp the phantom to our breast,

"The phantom flies, and leaves the soul unblest."

To yon bright regions let your faith ascend;

Prepare to meet your dearest infant friend

In pleasures without measure, without end.

, Muse divine, can hostile scenes delight

The warrior's bosom in the fields of fight?

Lo! here the Christian and the hero join

With mutual grace to form the man divine.

In Hd see, with pleasure and surprise,

Where valor kindles, and where virtue lies:

Go, hero brave, still grace the post of fame,

And add new glories to thine honored name,