George Moses Horton

The Slave’s Complaint

Am I sadly cast aside,
  On misfortune’s rugged tide?
  Will the world my pains deride
        Forever?
  Must I dwell in Slavery’s night,
  And all pleasure take its flight,
  Far beyond my feeble sight,
        Forever?
  Worst of all, must Hope grow dim,
 And withhold her cheering beam?
 Rather let me sleep and dream
       Forever!
 
 Something still my heart surveys,
 Groping through this dreary maze;
 Is it Hope?—then burn and blaze
       Forever!
 
 Leave me not a wretch confined,
 Altogether lame and blind—
 Unto gross despair consigned,
       Forever!
 
 Heaven! in whom can I confide?
 Canst thou not for all provide?
 Condescend to be my guide
       Forever:
 
 And when this transient life shall end,
 Oh, may some kind eternal friend
 Bid me from servitude ascend,
       Forever!
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