Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral/An Hymn to Humanity

by Phillis Wheatley

 

An HYMN to Humanity.

To S. P. G. Esq;

 

I.

LO! for this dark terrestrial ball

Forsakes his azure-paved hall
A prince of heav'nly birth!
Divine Humanity behold.

What wonders rise, what charms unfold

5

At his descent to earth!

II.

The bosoms of the great and good

With wonder and delight he view'd,
And fix'd his empire there:

Him, close compressing to his breast,

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The fire of gods and men address'd,
"My son, my heav'nly fair!

III.

"Descend to earth, there place thy throne;

"To succour man's afflicted son

"Each human heart inspire:

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"To act in bounties unconfin'd
"Enlarge the close contracted mind,
"And fill it with thy fire."

IV.

Quick as the word, with swift career
He wings his course from star to star,

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And leaves the bright abode.
The Virtue did his charms impart;
Their G——y! then thy raptur'd heart
Perceiv'd the rushing God:

V.

For when thy pitying eye did see

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The languid muse in low degree,
Then, then at thy desire
Descended the celestial nine;
O'er me methought they deign'd to shine,

And deign'd to string my lyre.

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VI.

Can Afric's muse forgetful prove?

Or can such friendship fail to move
A tender human heart?
Immortal Friendship laurel-crown'd

The smiling Graces all surround

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With ev'ry heav'nly Art.