| Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784). Poems on Various Subjects. 1773. | | | | An Answer to the Rebus, by the Author of these Poems |
| | | THE POET asks, and Phillis can’t refuse | |
| To shew th’obedience of the Infant muse. | |
| She knows the Quail of most inviting taste | |
| Fed Israel’s army in the dreary waste; | |
| And what’s on Britain’s royal standard borne, | 5 |
| But the tall, graceful, rampant Unicorn? | |
| The Emerald with a vivid verdure glows | |
| Among the gems which regal crowns compose; | |
| Boston’s a town, polite and debonair, | |
| To which the beaux and beauteous nymphs repair, | 10 |
| Each Helen strikes the mind with sweet surprise, | |
| While living lightning flashes from her eyes. | |
| See young Euphorbus of the Dardan line | |
| By Menelaus’ hand to death resign: | |
| The well known peer of popular applause | 15 |
| Is C—m zealous to support our laws. | |
| Quebec now vanquish’d must obey, | |
| She too must annual tribute pay | |
| To Britain of immortal fame, | |
And add new glory to her name.
FINIS. | 20 | | | |
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