The Sorrows of Angola

The Sorrows of Angola

Hail, the enrapturing Jubilee!

Tis fifty years today,

Since this great nation was made free

From despotism's sway.

While music, bells and cannons peal,

To hail the festive day,

The thoughts within my bosom steal,

Of helpless - Africa!

Now. Freedom's sons, in splendid trains,

Rush forth, to greet the day;

But never strive to burst the chains,

Of captive - Africa!

Both young and old attend the scene,

The noble and the gay;

But not a tender tear is seen,

For weeping - Africa!

Both bards and orators united

To aid the grand display,

But never once the wrongs recite,

Of injured - Africa!

O, Freedom! offspring of the skies!

When shall we bless the day,

When thy bright genial sun shall rise.

On hapless - Africa!

Unattributed

1:13, p. 52

1827.06.08

The following was written for the national Jubilee, July 4, 1826, by the same person and published in the public Journals, in a sister state.