Page:Poems written during the progress of the abolition question in the United States.djvu/10

 Some clouds which had over us hung, Fled, chased by her melody clear; And methought, while she liberty sung, 'Twas liberty only to hear.

Thus swiftly dividing the flood, To a slave-cultured island we came, Where a demon, her enemy, stood, Oppression his terrible name.

In his hand, as a sign of his sway, A scourge hung with lashes he bore, And stood looking out for his prey, From Africa's sorrowful shore.

But soon as approaching the land, That angel-like woman he view'd, The scourge he let fall from his hand, With the blood of his subjects imbru'd.

I saw him both sicken and die, And the moment the monster expired, Heard shouts that ascended the sky, From thousands with rapture inspired.

Awaking, how could I but muse At what such a dream should betide? But soon my ear caught the glad news, Which served my weak thought for a guide;

That Britannia, renown'd o'er the waves, For the hatred she ever has shown To the black-sceptred rulers of slaves, Resolves to have none of her own. 1788.