Africa

Africa

Land of the wise! where Science broke

Like morning from chaotic deeps,

Where Moses, holy prophet, woke,

Where Parsons, youthful martyr, sleeps.

Land of the brave! where Carthage rear'd

'Gainst haughty Rome, a warrior's crest;

Where Cato, like a God revered,

Indignant pierced his patriot breast.

Land of the scorned, the exil'd race!

Who fainting 'neath oppressive toil,

With never ceasing tears retrace

Their palm tree shade, their father's soil.

Shall blest Benevolence extend

Her angel reign from sea to sea,

Nor yet one glance of pity bend

Deserted Africa! on thee.

And must they brother's hatred find

A doom that nature never gave;

An curse that nature ne'er designed?

The fetter - and the name of slave?

Haste! lift from Afric's wrongs the veil,

Ere the Eternal Judge arise,

Who lists the helpless prisoner's wail,

And counts the tears from misery's eyes.

Oh! ere the flaming skies reveal

That frown which none can meet and live,

Teach her before His throne to kneel,

And like her Saviour pray - "Forgive."

Unattributed

1:27, p. 108

1827.09.14