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24
THE BLACK MAN'S LAMENT.
"Then, where have we one legal right?
White men may bind, whip, torture, slave.
But oh! if we but strike one White,
Who can poor Negro help or save?
"There are, I'm told, upon some isles,
Masters who gentle deign to be;
And there, perhaps, the Negro smiles,
But smiling Negroes few can see.
"Well, I must learn to bear my pain;
And, lately, I am grown more calm;
For Christian men come o'er the main,
To pour in Negro souls a balm.
"They tell us there is one above
Who died to save both bond and free;
And who, with eyes of equal love,
Beholds White man, and humble me.
