Page:The West Indies, and Other Poems.djvu/67

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With humble steps the paths of peace he trod, A happy pilgrim, for he walk'd ijvith God.

Still slowly spread the dawn of life and day. In death and darkness pagan myriads lay : Stronger and heavier chains than those that bind The captive's limbs, enthrall'd his abject mind; The yoke of man his neck indignant bore, The yoke of sin his wiUing spirit wore.

Meanwhile, among the great, the brave, the free. The matchless race of Albion and the sea. Champions arose to plead the Negro's cause ; In the wide breach of violated laws, Through which the torrent of injustice roU'd, They stood : — with zeal unconquerably bold. They raised their voices, stretch'd their arms to save From chains the freeman, from despair the slave ; The exile's heart-sick anguish to assuage. And rescue Afric from the spoiler's rage.

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