Page:The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African.pdf/338

[ 292 ] Oft times I mus'd, and nigh despair, While birds melodious fill'd the air. Thrice happy songsters, ever free,' How blest were they compar'd to me!

Thus all things added to my pain; While grief compell'd me to complain; When sable clouds began to rise, My mind grew darker than the skies.

The English nation forc'd to leave, How did my breast with sorrow heave! I long'd for rest — cried "Help me, Lord! "Some mitigation, Lord, afford!"

Yet on, dejected, still I went— Heart throbbing woes within me pent; Nor land, nor sea, could comfort give, Nor aught my anxious mind relieve.

Weary with troubles yet unknown To all but God and self alone, Numerous months for peace I strove, Numerous foes I had to prove.

Inur'd to dangers, grief, and woes, Train'd up 'midst perils, death, and foes I said, "Must it thus ever be? "No quiet is permitted me."

Hard hap, and more than heavy lot! I pray'd to God, "Forget me not— "What thou ordain'st help me to bear; "But, O! deliver from despair!" Strivings