Hymn to Humanity

Hymn to Humanity

TO S.P.G. Esq.


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

At his descent to earth!

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,
The site of gods and men address'd,

"My son, my heav'nly fair!

Descend to earth, there place thy throne;
To succour man's afflicted son

Each human heart inspire:

To act in bounties unconfin'd
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 the bright abode

The Virtues did his charms impart;
Their G----! then thy raptur'd heart,

Perceiv'd the rushing God:

For when 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 deign'd to shine,

And deign'd to string my lyre.

Can Afric's muse forgetful prove?
Or can such friendship fail to move

A tender human heart?

Immortal friendship laurel crown'd
The 'smiling Gracas all surround

With every heav'nly Art.

Philis Wheatley (Phillis Wheatley)

1:35, p. 140

1827.11.09