Among the capricious acts of tyranny that disgraced those times, was the chasing of all Negroes from France by decree of the government: we had a Fellow-passenger who was one of the expelled. We had a female Passenger who came From Calais with us, spotless in array,- A white-robed Negro, like a lady gay, Yet downcast as a woman fearing blame; Meek, destitute, as seemed, of hope or aim She sate, from notice turning not away, But on all proffered intercourse did lay A weight of languid speech, or to the same No sign of answer made by word or face: Yet still her eyes retained their tropic fire, That, burning independent of the mind, Joined with the lustre of her rich attire To mock the Outcast-O ye Heavens, be kind! And feel, thou Earth, for this afflicted Race!
COMPOSED IN THE VALLEY NEAR DOVER, ON THE DAY OF LANDING.
HERE, on our native soil, we breathe once more. The cock that crows, the smoke that curls, that
Of bells;-those boys who in yon meadowground
In white-sleeved shirts are playing; and the
Of the waves breaking on the chalky shore ;- 5 All, all are English. Oft have I looked round With joy in Kent's green vales; but never found
Myself so satisfied in heart before. Europe is yet in bonds; but let that pass, Thought for another moment. Thou art free, My Country! and 'tis joy enough and pride For one hour's perfect bliss, to tread the grass Of England once again, and hear and see, With such a dear Companion at my side. Aug. 30, 1802.
SEPTEMBER, 1802. NEAR DOVER.
INLAND, within a hollow vale, I stood; And saw, while sea was calm and air was clear, The coast of France-the coast of France how
Drawn almost into frightful neighbourhood.
I shrunk; for verily the barrier flood Was like a lake, or river bright and fair, A span of waters; vet what power is there! What mightiness for evil and for good! Even so doth God protect us if we be Virtuous and wise. Winds blow, and waters
Strength to the brave, and Power, and Deity; Yet in themselves are nothing! One decree Spake laws to them, and said that by the soul Only, the Nations shall be great and free.
THOUGHT OF A BRITON ON THE SUBJUGATION OF SWITZERLAND.
Two Voices are there; one is of the sea, One of the mountains; each a mighty Voice: In both from age to age thou didst rejoice, They were thy chosen music, Liberty! There came a Tyrant, and with holy glee
For orices are there - mics of the sea
the of a
the thorntons - each a might socce, In tott from age to age them didst rejoice, They were they chosen music,
REDUCED FACSIMILE OF Wordsworth's HANDWRITING.--See page 132.
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