Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET TO WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, ESQUIRE, by WILLIAM COWPER


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SONNET TO WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, ESQUIRE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thy country, wilberforce, with just disdain
Last Line: From all the just on earth and all the blest above.
Subject(s): Wilberforce, William (1759-1833)


THY country, Wilberforce, with just disdain,
Hears thee by cruel men and impious called
Fanatic, for thy zeal to loose the enthralled
From exile, public sale, and slavery's chain.
Friend of the poor, the wronged, the fetter-galled,
Fear not lest labour such as thine be vain!
Thou hast achieved a part; hast gained the ear
Of Britain's senate to thy glorious cause.
Hope smiles, joy springs, and though cold caution pause
And weave delay, the better hour is near
That shall remunerate thy toils severe
By peace for Afric, fenced with British laws.
Enjoy what thou hast won, esteem and love
From all the just on earth and all the blest above.





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