Memoir and Poems of Phillis Wheatley, a Native African and Slave

Front matter

CONTENTS.

A Farewell to America

A FAREWELL TO AMERICA.

To Mrs. S.W.

Adieu, New-England's smiling meads, Adieu, the flow'ry plain; I leave thine opening charms, O spring! And tempt the roaring main.

In vain for me the flow'rets rise, And boast their gaudy pride, While here beneath the northern skies I mourn for health denied.

Celestial maid of rosy hue, Oh let me feel thy reign! I languish till thy face I view, Thy vanished joys regain.

Susannah mourns, nor can I bear To see the crystal shower, Or mark the tender falling tear, At sad departure's hour;

Nor unregarding can I see Her soul with grief opprest; But let no sighs, no groans for me, Steal from her pensive breast.

In vain the feathered warblers sing, In vain the garden blooms, And on the bosom of the spring Breathes out her sweet perfumes,

While for Britannia's distant shore We sweep the liquid plain, And with astonished eyes explore The wide extended main.

Lo! Health appears, celestial Dame! Complacent and serene, With Hebe's mantle o'er her frame, With soul-delighting mein.

To mark the vale where London lies, With misty vapors crowned, Which cloud Aurora's thousand dyes, And veil her charms around,

Why, Phœbus, moves thy car so slow? So slow thy rising ray? Give us the famous town to view, Thou glorious king of day!

For thee, Britannia, I resign New-England's smiling fields; To view again her charms divine, What joy the prospect yields!

But thou, Temptation, hence away! With all thy fatal train, Nor once seduce my soul away, By thine enchanting strain. Thrice happy they, whose heavenly shield Secures their soul from harms, And fell Temptation on the field Of all its power disarms!

Boston, May 7th, 1773.

A Funeral Poem on the Death of C.E.

A FUNERAL POEM,

On the death of C***** E*****, an infant of twelve months.

Through airy roads he wings his instant flight To purer regions of celestial light; Enlarged he sees unnumbered systems roll, Beneath him sees the universal whole; Planets on planets run their destined round, And circling wonders fill the vast profound. The etherial now, and now the empyreal skies With growing splendors strike his wondering eyes: The angels view him with delight unknown, Press his soft hand, and seat him on the throne; Then, smiling, thus: "To this divine abode, "The seat of saints, of seraphs, and of God, "Thrice welcome thou." The raptured babe replies: "Thanks to my God, who snatched me to the skies, "Ere vice triumphant had possessed my heart, "Ere yet the tempter had beguiled my heart, "Ere yet on sin's base actions I was bent, "Ere yet I knew temptation's dire intent, "Ere yet the lash for horrid crimes I felt, "Ere vanity had led the way to guilt; "But soon arrived at my celestial goal, "Full glories rush on my expanding soul." Joyful he spoke: exulting cherubs round Clapt their glad wings; the heavenly vaults resound.

Say, parents, why this unavailing moan? Why heave your pensive bosoms with the groan? To Charles, the happy subject of my song, A brighter world, and nobler strains belong. Say, would you tear him from the realms above, By thoughtless wishes and preposterous love? Does his felicity increase your pain? Or could you welcome to this world again The heir of bliss? With a superior air Methinks he answers with a smile severe,— "Thrones and dominions cannot tempt me there." But still you cry, "Can we the sigh forbear, "And still, and still must we not pour the tear? "Our only hope, more dear than vital breath, "Twelve moons revolved, becomes the prey of death; "Delightful infant, nightly visions give "Thee to our arms, and we with joy receive; "We fain would clasp the phantom to our breast, "The phantom flies, and leaves the soul unblest."

To yon bright regions let your faith ascend; Prepare to meet your dearest infant friend In pleasures without measure, without end.

A Hymn to Humanity

A HYMN TO HUMANITY.

To S.P.G., Esq.

Lo! for this dark terrestrial ball, Forsakes his azure paved hall, A prince of heavenly birth! Divine Humanity behold, What wonders rise, what charms unfold At his descent to earth!

The bosoms of the great and good With wonder and delight he viewed, And fixed his empire there: Him close compressing to his breast The sire of Gods and men addressed, "My son, my heavenly fair!

"Descend to earth, there place thy throne "To succor man's afflicted son, "Each human heart inspire: "To act in bounties unconfined, "Enlarge the close contracted mind, "And fill it with thy fire."

Quick as the word, with swift career, He wings his course from star to star, And leaves his bright abode, The virtue did his charms impart; There G——y! then thy raptured heart Perceiv'd the rushing God:

For then thy pitying eye did see The languid muse in low degree; Then, then at thy desire, Descended the celestial Nine; O'er me, methought they deigned to shine, And deigned to string my lyre.

Can Afric's Muse forgetful prove? Or can such friendship fail to move A tender human heart? Immortal Friendship laurel crowned, The smiling Graces all around, With ev'ry heavenly Art.

A Rebus

A REBUS.—BY J.B.

A Bird delicious to the taste, On which an army once did feast, Sent by a hand unseen; A creature of the horned race, Which Britain's royal standards grace, A gem of vivid green;

A town of gaiety and sport, Where beaux and beauteous nymphs resort, And gallantry doth reign; A Dardan hero famed of old For youth and beauty, as we're told, And by a monarch slain;

A peer of popular applause, Who doth our violated laws And grievances proclaim. The initials show a vanquished town, That adds fresh glory and renown To old Britannia's fame.

To a Lady, on her coming to North America with her Son, for the Recovery of her Health

TO A LADY,

On her coming to North America with her Son, for the recovery of her health.

Indulgent Muse! my groveling mind inspire, And fill my bosom with celestial fire.

See from Jamaica's fervid shores she moves, Like the fair mother of the blooming loves, When from above the Goddess, with her hand, Fans the soft breeze, and lights upon the land; Thus she, on Neptune's watery realm reclined, Appeared, and thus invites the lingering wind.

"Arise, ye winds, America explore, "Waft me, ye gales, from this malignant shore; "The northern milder climes I long to greet, "There, hope that health will my arrival meet."

Soon as she spoke, in my ideal view, The winds assented, and the vessel flew. Madam, your spouse, bereft of wife and son, In the grove's dark recesses pours his moan; Each branch, wide spreading to the ambient sky, Forgets its verdure, and submits to die.

From thence I turn, and leave the sultry plain, And swift pursue thy passage o'er the main: The ship arrives before the fav'ring wind, And makes the Philadelphian port assigned; Thence I attend you to Bostonia's arms, Where gen'rous friendship ev'ry bosom warms: Thrice welcome here! may health revive again, Bloom on thy cheek, and bound in ev'ry vein! Then back return to gladden ev'ry heart, And give your spouse his soul's far dearer part; Received again, with what a sweet surprise, The tear in transport starting from his eyes! While his attendant son, with blooming grace, Springs to his father's ever dear embrace, With shouts of joy Jamaica s rocks resound, With shouts of joy the country rings around.

Consequences of Happy Marriages

CONSEQUENCES OF HAPPY MARRIAGES.

Hail happy pair, from whom such raptures rise, On whom I gaze with pleasure and surprise; From thy bright rays the gloom of strife is driven, For all the smiles of mutual love are Heaven.

Thrice happy pair! no earthly joys excel Thy peaceful state; there constant pleasures dwell, Which cheer the mind and elevate the soul, Whilst discord sinks beneath their soft control.

The blaze of zeal extends from breast to breast, While Heaven supplies each innocent request; And lo! what fond regard their smiles reveal, Attractive as the magnet to the steel.

Their peaceful life is all content and ease, They with delight each other strive to please; Each other's charms, they only can admire, Whose bosoms burn with pure connubial fire. Th' indelible vestige of unblemished love, Must hence a guide to generations prove: Though virtuous partners moulder in the tomb, Their light may shine on ages yet to come.

With grateful tears their well-spent day shall close, When death, like evening, calls them to repose; Then mystic smiles may break from deep disguise, Like Vesper's torch transpiring in the skies.

Like constellations still their works may shine, In virtue's unextinguished blaze divine; Happy are they whose race shall end the same— Sweeter than odors is a virtuous name.

Such is the transcript of unfading grace, Reflecting lustre on a future race, The virtuous on this line delight to tread, And magnify the honors of the dead—

Who like a Phoenix did not burn in vain, Incinerated to revive again; From whose exalted urn young love shall rise, Exulting from a funeral sacrifice.

On the Death of J.C., an Infant

ON THE DEATH OF J. C.—AN INFANT.

No more the flow'ry scenes of pleasure rise, Nor charming prospects greet the mental eyes, Smiling, disportive, flushed with every grace.

The tear of sorrow flows from every eye, Groans answer groans, and sighs to sighs reply; What sudden pangs shot through each aching heart, When Death, thy messenger, despatched his dart! Thy dread attendants, all destroying Power, Hurried the infant to his mortal hour. Could'st thou unpitying close those radiant eyes? Or failed his artless beauties to surprise? Could not his innocence thy stroke control, Thy purpose shake, and soften all thy soul?

The blooming babe, with shades of death o'erspread, No more shall smile, no more shall raise its head, But, like a branch that from the tree is torn, Falls prostrate, withered, languid and forlorn. "Where flies my James?" 'T is thus I seem to hear The parent ask. "Some angel, tell me where "He wings his passage through the yielding air."

Methinks a cherub, bending from the skies, Observes the question, and serene replies: "In heaven's high palaces your babe appears; "Prepare to meet him and dismiss your tears." Shall not the intelligence your grief restrain, And turn the mournful to the cheerful strain? Cease your complaints, suspend each rising sigh, Cease to accuse the Ruler of the sky. Parents, no more indulge the falling tear: Let faith to heaven's refulgent domes repair, There see your infant like a seraph glow: What charms celestial in his numbers flow Melodious, while the soul-enchanting strain Dwells on his tongue, and fills the etherial plain!

Enough—forever cease your murmuring breath; Not as a foe, but friend, converse with Death, Since to the port of happiness unknown He brought that treasure which you call your own. The gift of heaven entrusted to your hand Cheerful resign at the divine command: Mot at your bar must Sovereign Wisdom stand.

Dr. Thomas Amory

TO THE REV. DR. THOMAS AMORY,

On reading his Sermons on Daily Devotion, in which that duty is

recommended and assisted.

To cultivate in ev'ry noble mind Habitual grace, and sentiments refined, Thus while you strive to mend the human heart, Thus while the heavenly precepts you impart, Oh! may each bosom catch the sacred fire, And youthful minds to Virtue's throne aspire!V

When God"s eternal ways you set in sight, And Virtue shines in all her native light, In vain would Vice her works conceal, For Wisdom's eye pervades the sable veil.

Artists may paint the sun's effulgent rays, But Amory's pen the brighter God displays: While his great works in Amory's pages shine, And while he proves his essence all divine, The Atheist sure no more can boast aloud Of chance, or nature, and exclude the God; As if the clay, without the potter's aid, Should rise in various forms and shapes self-made, Or worlds above, with orb o'er orb profound, Self-moved, could run the everlasting round. It cannot be—unerring Wisdom guides With eye propitious, and o'er all presides. Still prosper, Amory! still may'st thou receive The warmest blessings which a Muse can give, And when this transitory state is o'er, When kingdoms fall, and fleeting Fame's no more, May Amory triumph in immortal fame, A nobler title and superior name!

Explanation

EXPLANATION.

George, who is the author of the following poetical effusions, is a slave, the property of Mr. James Horton, of Chatham county, North Carolina. He has been in the habit, some years past, of producing poetical pieces, sometimes on suggested subjects, to such persons as would write them while he dictated. Several compositions of his have already appeared in the Raleigh Register. Some have made their way into the Boston newspapers, and have evoked expressions of approbation and surprise. Many persons have now become much interested in the promotion of his prospects, some of whom are elevated in office and literary attainments. They are solicitous that efforts at length be made to obtain by subscription, a sum sufficient for his emancipation, upon the condition of his going in the vessel which shall first afterwards sail for Liberia. It is his earnest and only wish to become a member of that Colony, to enjoy its privileges, and apply his industry and mental abilities lo the promotion of its prospects and his own. It is upon these terms alone, that the efforts of those who befriend his views are intended to have a final effect.

To put to trial the plan here urged in his behalf, the paper now exhibited is published. Several of his productions are contained in the succeeding pages. Many more might have been added, which would have swelled into a larger size. They would doubtless be interesting to many, but it is hoped that the specimens here inserted will be sufficient to accomplish the object of the publication. Expense will thus be avoided, and the money better employed in enlarging the sum applicable for his emancipation. It is proposed, that in every town or vicinity where contributions are made, they may be put into the hands of some person, who will humanely consent to receive them, and give notice to Mr. Weston R. Gales, in Raleigh, of the amount collected. As soon as it is ascertained that the collections will accomplish the object, it is expected that they will be transmitted without delay to Mr. Weston R. Gales. But should they ultimately prove insufficient, they will be returned to subscribers.

None will imagine it possible that pieces produced as these have been, should be free from blemish in composition or taste. The author is now thirty-two years of age, and has always labored in the field on his master's farm, promiscuously with the few others which Mr. Horton owns, in circumstances of the greatest possible simplicity. His master says he knew nothing of his poetry, but as he heard of it from others. George knows how to read, and is now learning to write. All his pieces are written down by others; and his reading, which is done at night, and at the usual intervals allowed to slaves, has been much employed on poetry, such as he could procure, this being the species of composition most interesting to him. It is thought best to print his productions without correction, that the mind of the reader may be in no uncertainty as to the originality and genuineness of every part. We shall conclude this account of George, with an assurance that he has ever been a faithful, honest and industrious slave. That his heart has felt deeply and sensitively in this lowest possible condition of human nature, will easily be believed, and is impressively confirmed by one of his stanzas.

Come, melting Pity, from afar, And break this vast enormous bar, Between a wretch and thee; Purchase a few short days of time, And bid a vassal soar sublime, On wings of Liberty.

Raleigh, July 2, 1829.

Goliath of Gath

GOLIATH OF GATH.

1 Sam. Chap. 17th.

Ye martial powers, and all ye tuneful Nine, Inspire my song, and aid my high design. The dreadful scenes and toils of war I write, The ardent warriors and the fields of fight: You best remember, and you best can sing The acts of heroes to the vocal string: Resume the lays with which your sacred lyre Did then the poet and the sage inspire.

Now front to front the armies were displayed, Here Israel ranged, and there the foes arrayed; The hosts on two opposing mountains stood, Thick as the foliage of the waving wood. Between them an extensive valley lay, O'er which the gleaming armor poured the day; When, from the camp of the Philistine foes, Dreadful to view, a mighty warrior rose; In the dire deeds of bleeding battle skilled,

The monster stalks, the terror of the field. From Gath he sprung, Goliath was his name, Of fierce deportment and gigantic frame: A brazen helmet on his head was placed, A coat of mail his form terrific graced; The greaves his legs, the targe his shoulders prest; Dreadful in arms, high towering o'er the rest, A spear he proudly waved, whose iron head. Strange to relate, six hundred shekels weighed: He strode along, and shook the ample field, While Phoebus blazed refulgent on his shield. Through Jacob's race a chilling honor ran, When thus the huge, enormous chief began:

"Say, what the cause, that in this proud array, "You set your battle in the face of day? "One hero find in all your vaunting train, "Then see who loses, and who wins the plain; "For he who wins, in triumph may demand "Perpetual service from the vanquished land: "Your armies I defy, your force despise, "By far inferior in Philistia's eyes: "Produce a man and let us try the fight, "Decide the contest, and the victor's right."

Thus challenged he: all Israel stood amazed, And ev'ry chief in consternation gazed; But Jesse's son, in youthful bloom appears, And warlike courage far beyond his years: He left the folds, he left the flow'ry meads And soft recesses of the sylvan shades. Now Israel's monarch and his troops arise, With peals of shouts ascending to the skies; In Elab's vale, the scene of combat lies. When the fair morning blushed with orient red, What David's sire enjoined, the son obeyed; And swift of foot towards the trench he came, Where glowed each bosom with the martial flame. He leaves his carriage to another's care, And runs to greet his brethren of the war. While yet they spake the giant chief arose, Repeats the challenge, and insults his foes. Struck with the sound, and trembling at the view, Affrighted Israel from its post withdrew.

"Observe ye this tremendous foe, they cry'd, "Who in proud vaunts our armies hath defy'd? "Whoever lays him prostrate on the plain, "Freedom in Israel for his house shall gain; "And on him wealth unknown the king will pour, "And give his royal daughter for his dower."

Then Jesse's youngest hope:—"My brethren, say, "What shall be done for him who takes away "Reproach from Jacob, who destroys the chief, "And puts a period to his country's grief? "He vaunts the honors of his arms abroad, "And scorns the armies of the living God."

Thus spoke the youth; the attentive people eyed The wondrous hero, and again reply'd: "Such the rewards our monarch will bestow "On him who conquers and destroys his foe." Eliab heard, and kindled into ire, To hear his shepherd brother thus inquire, And thus begun: What errand brought thee, say, "Who keeps thy flock? or does it go astray? "I know the base ambition of thine heart, "But back in safety from the field depart."

Eliab thus, to Jesse's youngest heir, Expressed his wrath in accents most severe. When to his brother mildly he replied, "What have I done? or what the cause to chide?"

The words were told before the king, who sent For the young hero to his royal tent. Before the monarch, dauntless, he began; "For this Philistine, fail no heart of man: "I'll take the vale, and with the giant fight; "I dread not all his boasts nor all his might." When thus the king: "Durst thou, a stripling, go, "And venture combat with so great a foe, "Who all his days has been inured to fight, "And made its deeds his study and delight? "Battles and bloodshed brought the monster forth, "And clouds and whirlwinds ushered in his birth."

When David thus: "I kept the fleecy care, "And out there rushed a lion and a bear: "A tender lamb the hungry lion took, "And with no other weapon than my crook, "Bold I pursued, and chased him o'er the field, "The prey delivered, and the lion killed. "As thus the lion and the bear I slew, "So shall Goliath fall, and all his crew. "The God who saved me from these beasts of prey, "By me this monster in the dust shall lay."

So David spoke. The wondering king reply'd; "Go thou, with heaven and victory on thy side: "This coat of mail, this sword, gird on," he said, And placed a mighty helmet on his head. The coat, the sword, the helm, he laid aside, Nor chose to venture with those arms untry'd; Then took his staff, and to the neighboring brook Instant he ran, and thence five pebbles took. Meantime descended to Philistia's son A radiant cherub, and he thus begun:

"Goliath, well thou know'st thou hast defy'd "Yon Hebrew armies, and their God deny'd. "Rebellious wretch! audacious worm! forbear, "Nor tempt the vengeance of their God too far: "Those who with his omnipotence contend, "No eye shall pity and no arm defend. "Proud as thou art, in short-lived glory great, "I come to tell thee thine approaching fate. "Regard my words. The Judge of all the gods, "Beneath whose steps the tow'ring mountain nods, "Will give thine armies to the savage brood, "That cut the liquid air, or range the wood. "Thee, too, a well aimed pebble shall destroy, "And thou shalt perish by a beardless boy. "Such is the mandate from the realms above, "And, should I try the vengeance to remove, "Myself a rebel to my king would prove "Goliath, say, shall grace to him be shown, "Who dares heaven's monarch and insults his throne?"

"Your words are lost on me," the giant cries, While fear and wrath contended in his eyes; When thus the messenger from heaven replies: "Provoke no more Jehovah's awful hand "To hurl its vengeance on thy guilty land; "He grasps the thunder, and he wings the storm, "Servants, their sov'reign's orders to perform."

The angel spoke, and turned his eyes away, Adding new radiance to the rising day. Now David comes; the fatal stones demand His left, the staff engaged his better hand. The giant moved, and from his tow'ring height Surveyed the stripling, and disdained the sight, And thus began: "Am I a dog with thee? "Bring'st thou no armor but a staff to me? "The gods on thee their vollied curses pour, "And beasts and birds of prey thy flesh devour."

David, undaunted, thus: "Thy spear and shield "Shall no protection to thy body yield: "Jehovah's name—no other arms I bear; "I ask no other in this glorious war. "To-day the Lord of Hosts to me will give "Victory, to-day thy doom thou shalt receive; "The fate you threaten shall your own become, "And beasts shall be your animated tomb, "That all the earth's inhabitants may know "That there's a God who governs all below: "This great assembly, too, shall witness stand, "That needs not sword nor spear, the Almighty's hand: "The battle his, the conquest he bestows, "And to our power consigns our hated foes."

Thus David spoke. Goliath heard, and came To meet the hero in the field of fame. Ah! fatal meeting to thy troops and thee; But thou wast deaf to the divine decree: Young David meets thee, meets thee not in vain; 'T is thine to perish on the ensanguined plain.

And now the youth the forceful pebble flung; Philistia trembled as it whizzed along. In his dread forehead, where the helmet ends, Just o'er the brows the well-aimed stone descends; It pierced the skull, and shattered all the brain— Prone on his face he tumbled to the plain. Goliath's fall no smaller terror yields, Than riving thunders in aerial fields: The soul still lingered in its loved abode, Till conquering David o'er the giant strode: Goliath's sword then laid its roaster dead, And from the body hewed the ghastly head; The blood in gushing torrents drenched the plains, The soul found passage through the spouting veins. And now aloud the illustrious victor said, "Where are your boastings, now your champion's dead?" Scarce had he spoke, when the Philistines fled; But fled in vain; the conqueror swift pursued: What scenes of slaughter, and what pens of blood! There, Saul, thy thousands grasped the empurpled sand In pangs of death, the conquest of thine hand; And David, there were thy ten thousands laid: Thus Israel's damsels musically played. Near Gath and Ekron many a hero lay: Breathed out their souls, and cursed the light of day: Their fury, quenched by death, no longer burns, And David with Goliath's head returns. To Salem brought, but in his tent he placed The load of armor which the giant graced. His monarch saw him coming from the war, And thus demanded of the son of Ner. "Say, who is this amazing youth?" he cry'd, When thus the leader of the host replied: "As lives thy soul, I know not whence he sprung, "So great in prowess, though in years so young." "Inquire whose son is he," the sov'reign said, "Before whose conquering arm Philistia fled." Before the king behold tho stripling stand, Goliath's head depending from his hand. To him the king: "Say, of what martial line "Art thou, young hero, and what sire was thine?" He humbly thus: "The son of Jesse, I; "I came the glories of the field to try. "Small is my tribe, but valiant in the fight; "Small is my city, but thy royal right" "Then take the promised gifts," the monarch cry'd, Conferring riches and the royal bride. "Knit to my soul, forever thou remain "With me, nor quit my regal roof again.

Heavenly Love

HEAVENLY LOVE.

Eternal spring of boundless grace! It lifts the soul above, Where God the Son unveils his face, And shows that Heaven is love.

Love that revolves through endless years— Love that can never pall; Love which excludes the gloom of fears, Love to whom God is all!

Love which can ransom every slave, And set the pris'ner free; Gild the dark horrors of the grave, And still the raging sea.

Let but the partial smile of Heaven Upon the bosom play, The mystic sound of sins forgiven, Can waft the soul away.

The pilgrim's spirits show this love They often soar on high; Languish from this dim earth to move, And leave the flesh to die.

Sing, oh my soul, rise up and run, And leave this clay behind; Wing thy swift flight beyond the sun, Nor dwell in tents confined.

To a Lady, on her remarkable Preservation in a Hurricane, in North Carolina

TO A LADY,

On her remarkable preservation in a Hurricane, in North Carolina.

Though thou didst hear the tempest from afar, And felt'st the horrors of the watery war, To me unknown, yet on this peaceful shore Methinks I hear the storm tumultuous roar, And how stern Boreas, with impetuous hand, Compelled the Nereids to usurp the land. Reluctant rose the daughters of the main, And slow ascending, glided o'er the plain, Till Æolus in his rapid chariot drove, In gloomy grandeur from the vaults above. Furious he comes; his winged sons obey Their frantic sire, and madden all the sea. The billows rave, the wind's fierce tyrant roars, And with his thundering terrors shakes the shores: Broken by waves, the vessel's frame is rent, And strews with planks the watery element.

But thee, Maria, a kind Nereid's shield Preserved from sinking, and thy form upheld: And sure some heavenly oracle designed, At that dread crisis, to instruct thy mind Things of eternal consequence to weigh, And to thine heart just feelings to convey Of things above, and of the future doom, And what the births of the dread world to come.

From tossing seas I welcome thee to land. "Resign her, Nereid," 'twas thy God's command. Thy spouse, late buried, as thy fears conceived, Again returns, thy fears are all relieved: Thy daughter, blooming with celestial grace, Again thou see'st, again thine arms embrace; Oh come, and joyful show thy spouse his heir, And what the blessings of maternal care!

Hymn to the Evening

HYMN TO THE EVENING.

Soon as the sun forsook the eastern main, The pealing thunder shook the heavenly plain; Majestic grandeur! From the zephyr's wing, Exhales the incense of the blooming spring. Soft purl the streams, the birds renew their notes, And through the air their mingled music floats.

Through all the heavens what beauteous dyes are spread, But the west glories in the deepest red: So may our breasts with ev'ry virtue glow, The living temples of our God below!

Filled with the praise of him who gives the light, And draws the sable curtains of the night, Let placid slumbers soothe each weary mind, At morn to wake, more heavenly, more refined; So shall the labors of the day begin More pure, more guarded from the snares of sin. Night's leaden sceptre seals my drowsy eyes, Then cease my song, till fair Aurora rise.

Hymn to the Morning

HYMN TO THE MORNING

Attend my lays, ye ever honored Nine, Assist my labors, and my strains refine; In smoothest numbers pour the notes along. For bright Aurora now demands my song.

Aurora hail! and all the thousand dies Which deck thy progress through the vaulted skies

The morn awakes, and wide extends her rays, On ev'ry leaf the gentle zephyr plays; Harmonious lays the feathered race resume, Dart the bright eye, and shake the painted plume.