Memoir and Poems of Phillis Wheatley/A Hymn to Humanity
A HYMN TO HUMANITY.
To S.P.G., Esq.
Lo! for this dark terrestrial ball,
Forsakes his azure paved hall,
A prince of heavenly 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 viewed,
And fixed his empire there:
Him close compressing to his breast
The sire of Gods and men addressed,
"My son, my heavenly fair!
"Descend to earth, there place thy throne
"To succor man's afflicted son,
"Each human heart inspire:
"To act in bounties unconfined,
"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 his bright abode,
The virtue did his charms impart;
There G———y! then thy raptured heart
Perceiv'd the rushing God:
For then 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 deigned to shine,
And deigned to string my lyre.
Can Afric's Muse forgetful prove?
Or can such friendship fail to move
A tender human heart?
Immortal Friendship laurel crowned,
The smiling Graces all around,
With ev'ry heavenly Art.