Category: Phillis Wheatley
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“To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth”
“May fiery coursers sweep th’ ethereal plain, And bear thee upwards to that blest abode, Where, like the prophet, thou shalt find thy God.”
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On Being Brought from Africa to America
“Some view our sable race with scornful eye, “Their colour is a diabolic die.” Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain, May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.” — from “On being brought from AFRICA to AMERICA.” by Phillis Wheatley
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From “To the Right Honoruable William, Earl of Dartmouth” by Phillis Wheatley
Should you, my lord, while you peruse my song, Wonder from whence my love of Freedom sprung, Whence flow these wishes for the common good, By feeling hearts alone best understood, I, young in life, by seeming cruel fate Was snatch’d from Afric’s fancy’d happy seat: What pangs excruciating must molest, What sorrows labour in…
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“An Answer to the Rebus, By The Author of These Poems” by Phillis Wheatley
The poet asks, and Phillis can’t refuse To show th’ obedience of the Infant muse. She knows the Quail of most inviting taste Fed Israel’s army in the dreary waste; And what’s on Britain’s royal standard borne, But the tall, graceful, rampant Unicorn? The Emerald with a vivid verdure glows Among the gems which regal…
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“An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatley” by Jupiter Hammon
I. O come you pious youth! adore The wisdom of thy God, In bringing thee from distant shore, To learn His holy word. Eccles. xii. II. Though mightst been left behind Amidst a dark abode; God’s tender mercy still combined, Thou hast the holy word. Psal. cxxv. 2, 3.
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“To S. M. A Young African Painter, On Seeing His Works” by Phillis Wheatley
TO show the lab’ring bosom’s deep intent, And thought in living characters to paint, When first thy pencil did those beauties give, And breathing figures learnt from thee to live, How did those prospects give my soul delight, A new creation rushing on my sight? Still, wond’rous youth! each noble path pursue, On deathless glories…
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“On Virtue” by Phillis Wheatley
O Thou bright jewel in my aim I strive To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach. I cease to wonder, and no more attempt Thine height t’ explore, or fathom thy profound. But, O my soul, sink not into despair, Virtue is near thee, and with gentle…
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