Phillis Wheatley: Biography of a Genius in Bondage:
An interesting lecture that reveals aspects of Wheatley's life as a poetess in bondage.
Poems:
On Being Brought from Africa to America
'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic die."
Remember, Christians, Negro's, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.
On Virtue
O THOU bright jewel in my aim I strive
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To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare
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Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach.
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I cease to wonder, and no more attempt
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Thine height t’ explore, or fathom thy profound.
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5
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But, O my soul, sink not into despair,
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Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand
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Would now embrace thee, hovers o’er thine head.
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Fain would the heav’n-born soul with her converse,
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Then seek, then court her for her promis’d bliss.
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10
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Auspicious queen, thine heav’nly pinions spread,
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And lead celestial Chastity along;
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Lo! now her sacred retinue descends,
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Array’d in glory from the orbs above.
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Attend me, Virtue, thro’ my youthful years!
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15
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O leave me not to the false joys of time!
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But guide my steps to endless life and bliss.
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Greatness, or Goodness, say what I shall call thee,
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To give me an higher appellation still,
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Teach me a better strain, a nobler lay,
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20
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