Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, POEMS ON THE SLAVE TRADE: 2, by ROBERT SOUTHEY


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POEMS ON THE SLAVE TRADE: 2, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Why dost thou beat thy breast and rend thine hair
Last Line: And bless with liberty and death the slave!
Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs


Why dost thou beat thy breast and rend thine hair,
And to the deaf sea pour thy frantic cries?
Before the gale the laden vessel flies;
The heavens all-favoring smile, the breeze is fair;
Hark to the clamors of the exulting crew!
Hark how their thunders mock the patient skies!
Why dost thou shriek and strain thy red-swol'n eyes
As the white sail dim lessens from thy view?
Go pine in want and anguish and despair,
There is no mercy found in human-kind --
Go widow to thy grave and rest thee there!
But may the god of justice bid the wind
Whelm that curst bark beneath the mountain wave,
And bless with liberty and death the slave!





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