. Negro slavery in the northern colonies. aticiansare to spring up like mushrooms, i^k -kr Religion has produced a Phyllis Wheatly; but it could not producea poet, is another of Mr. Jeffersons dogmata. Phyllis was broughtfrom Africa to America, between 7 and 8 years of age; and withoutany assistance from a school education, and before she wa- 15 yearsold, wrote many of her poems. This information is attested by herthen master, John Wheatly, dated Boston, November 14, 1772. 1 willtranscribe part of her poem on Imagination, and leaveCd$u to juggewhether it is poetical or not. It will afford you
. Negro slavery in the northern colonies. aticiansare to spring up like mushrooms, i^k -kr Religion has produced a Phyllis Wheatly; but it could not producea poet, is another of Mr. Jeffersons dogmata. Phyllis was broughtfrom Africa to America, between 7 and 8 years of age; and withoutany assistance from a school education, and before she wa- 15 yearsold, wrote many of her poems. This information is attested by herthen master, John Wheatly, dated Boston, November 14, 1772. 1 willtranscribe part of her poem on Imagination, and leaveCd$u to juggewhether it is poetical or not. It will afford you an opportunity,if you have never met with it, of estimating her genius and judgment; and I think, without any disparagement (d&j him,that, by comparison, Phyllis appears much the superior, indeed, Ishould be glad to be informed what white upon this continent has wwritten more beautiful lines. •Imaginations who can sing thy force?Or who describe the swiftness of thy course? Soaring through air to find the bright abode,. Up. Th imperial palace of the thundring god, We on thy pinions can surpass the wind,And leave the rolling universe behin$: From star to star the mental optics rove,Measure the skies and range the realms above; There in one view we grasp the mighty with new worlds amaze th unbounded soul. Though winter frowns, to fancys raptured eyesThe fields may flourish, and gay scenes arise; The frozen deeps may burst their iron bands,And bid their waters murmur oer the sands; Pair Flora may resume he:- fragrant reign,And with her flowry riches deck the plain; Sylvanus may diffuse his honours round,And all the forest may with leaver be crownd; Showrs may descend, and dews their gems disclose,And nectar sparkle on the blooming rose. But, to complete his paradoxes, Mr. Jefferso has remarked, xthat the Indian, with no advantage of education, is eloquent andingenious, wit:.out recollecting that the savage is free while thepoor African is enslaved;though he
Size: 1347px × 1855px
Photo credit: © The Reading Room / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, booksubjectslavery, bookyear1902
