To the University of Cambridge
While an intrinsic ardor prompts to write,
The muses promise to assist my pen;'Twas not long since I left my native
The land of errors, and Egyptian gloom:
Father of mercy, 'twas thy gracious
Brought me in safety from those dark abodes.
Students, to you 'tis giv'n to scan the
Above, to traverse the ethereal space,
And mark the systems of revolving worlds.
Still more, ye sons of science ye
The blissful news by messengers from heav'n,
How Jesus' blood for your redemption flows.
See him with hands out-stretcht upon the cross;
Immense compassion in his bosom glows;
He hears revilers, nor resents their scorn:
What matchless mercy in the Son of God!
When the whole human race by sin had fall'n,
He deign'd to die that they might rise again,
And share with him in the sublimest skies,
Life without death, and glory without end. Improve your privileges while they stay,
Ye pupils, and each hour redeem, that
Or good or bad report of you to heav'n.
Let sin, that baneful evil to the soul,
By you be shun'd, nor once remit your guard;
Suppress the deadly serpent in its egg.
Ye blooming plants of human race divine,
An Ethiop tells you 'tis your greatest foe;
Its transient sweetness turns to endless pain,
And in immense perdition sinks the soul.
Phillis Wheatley
Other author posts
On Messrs Hussey and Coffin
Did Fear and Danger so perplex your Mind, As made you fearful of the Whistling Wind Was it not Boreas knit his angry Against you
To Maecenas
Maecenas, you, beneath the myrtle shade, Read o'er what poets sung, and shepherds play'd What felt those poets but you feel the same Does not your soul possess the sacred flame
On Friendship
Let amicitia in her ample Extend her notes to a Celestial Benevolent far more divinely Amor like me doth triumph at the
To a Gentleman and Lady on the Death of the Ladys Brother and Sister
On Death's domain intent I fix my eyes, Where human nature in vast ruin lies, With pensive mind I search the drear abode, Where the great conqu'ror has his spoils bestow'd;
