Page:Slavery, a poem.pdf/26

Rh Thy followers only have effac'd the shame Inscrib'd by on the Christian name. Shall Britain, where the soul of Freedom reigns, Forge chains for others she herself disdains? Forbid it, Heaven! O let the nations know The liberty she loves she will bestow; Not to herself the glorious gift confin'd, She spreads the blessing wide as humankind; And, scorning narrow views of time and place, Bids all be free in earth's extended space. What page of human annals can record A deed so bright as human rights restor'd? O may that god-like deed, that shining page, Redeem fame, and consecrate  age! And see, the cherub Mercy from above, Descending softly, quits the sphere of love!