Poems (Frances Elizabeth Browne)/On colonial slavery

by Frances Elizabeth Browne

ON COLONIAL SLAVERY. 1838.

O'er the fair realms of Britain the sun ne'er declines;
On our sovereign's dominions he ceaselessly shines,
And withdraws but his beams from our own native isle,
Her most distant possessions to gild with his smile.

Then should not the sun of fair freedom, too, rise,
With beams as refulgent, in tropical skies?
And while here his bright rays their kind influence lend,
To our poor negro brethren their glory extend?

Shall the sceptre of Britain by woman be grasped,
Nor the fetters which bind the poor negro unclasped?
Shall the voice of her people ascend to her throne,
Nor Victoria the claims of humanity own?

Forbid it, each feeling to woman most dear!
Forbid it, fair charity, pity's soft tear!
Forbid it, the shriek—O, so fearfully wild!—
As the poor negro mother is torn from her child!

Forbid it, the lash, which so cruelly hangs
O'er the head of the slave, and adds shame to his pangs!
Alas! even females the scourge cannot flee,
Till the law of their country pronounces them free!

Yes! Victoria shall yet hear the poor negro's moan,
And the voice of her people shall echo her own,
And the bright star of liberty rise o'er the waves,
And the mandate of mercy give freedom to slaves!