Slavery
Dublin Core
Title
Slavery
Description
When first my bosom glowed with hope,
I gaz'd as from a mountain top
It fled as though it had not been,
Has led me through deception's maze;
To biter all my sweets were turn'd,
Upon this vile accursed earth,
When first I saw the morning light,
And break this vast, enormous bar
And bid a vassal rise sublime
That thou should'st be so dull and slack,
The only refuge for the slave,
No more I'd languish or despair ---
Drudg'ry, and pain, and toil are o'er,
I gaz'd as from a mountain top
On some delightful plain;
But oh! how transient was the scene ---It fled as though it had not been,
And all my hopes were vain.
How oft this tantalizing blazeHas led me through deception's maze;
My friend became my foe ---
Then like a plaintive dove I mourn'd,To biter all my sweets were turn'd,
And tears began to flow.
Why was the dawning of my birthUpon this vile accursed earth,
Which is but pain to me?
Oh! that my soul had winged its flight,When first I saw the morning light,
To worlds of liberty!
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 rise sublime
On wings of liberty.
Is it because my skin is black,That thou should'st be so dull and slack,
And scorn to set me free?
Then let me hasten to the grave,The only refuge for the slave,
Who mourns for liberty.
The wicked cease from trouble there:No more I'd languish or despair ---
The weary there can rest?
Oppression's voice is heard no more,Drudg'ry, and pain, and toil are o'er,
Yes! there I shall be blest.
Creator
By a Carolinian Slave named George Horton
Source
2:17, p. 135
Date
1828.07.18
Contributor
From the Village Record
Collection
Citation
By a Carolinian Slave named George Horton, “Slavery,” Periodical Poets, accessed May 18, 2024, https://periodicalpoets.com/items/show/156.
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