Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784). Poems on Various Subjects. 1773.
An Hymn to Humanity
Forsakes his azure-paved hall
A prince of heav’nly birth!
Divine Humanity behold.
What wonders rise, what charms unfold
At his descent to earth!
With wonder and delight he view’d,
And fix’d his empire there:
Him, close compressing to his breast,
The sire of gods and men address’d,
“My son, my heav’nly fair!
To succour man’s afflicted son
Each human heart inspire:
To act in bounties unconfin’d
Enlarge the close contracted mind,
And fill it with thy fire.”
He wings his course from star to star,
And leaves the bright abode.
The Virtue did his charms impart;
Their G——y! then thy raptur’d heart
Perceiv’d the rushing God:
The languid muse in low degree,
Then, then at thy desire
Descended the celestial nine;
O’er me methought they deign’d to shine,
And deign’d to string my lyre.
Or can such friendship fail to move
A tender human heart?
Immortal Friendship laurel-crown’d
The smiling Graces all surround
With ev’ry heav’nly Art.