Page:Slavery, a poem.pdf/13

Rh Perish the proud philosophy, which sought To rob them of the pow'rs of equal thought! Does then th' immortal principle within Change with the casual colour of a skin? Does matter govern spirit? or is mind Degraded by the form to which 'tis join'd?
 * No: they have heads to think, and hearts to feel,

And souls to act, with firm, tho' erring zeal; For they have keen affections, kind desires, Love strong as death, and active patriot fires; All the rude energy, the fervid flame, Of high-soul'd passion, and ingenuous shame: Strong, but luxuriant virtues boldly shoot From the wild vigour of a savage root. Nor weak their sense of honour's proud control, For pride is virtue in a Pagan soul;