55
Oh! when secure in Albion's happy land,
He trac'd his dangers with recording hand,
He little thought, when Houghton's shorten'd date
Drew pitying tears, how similar his fate?
How soon those blood-stain'd shores should seal his doom,
Or slav'ry close him in a living tomb!
He trac'd his dangers with recording hand,
He little thought, when Houghton's shorten'd date
Drew pitying tears, how similar his fate?
How soon those blood-stain'd shores should seal his doom,
Or slav'ry close him in a living tomb!
Again he went! with hope and ardor fir'd,
With mild philanthropy's warm zeal inspir'd;
Again he went! untrodden worlds to scan,
To meliorate the lot of savage man!
To ope the track for England's peaceful train,
That wafts her commerce o'er the azure main,
To bid fair science bless the sultry shore,
And art diffusive spread her golden store,
Bid pure Religion 'mid the trackless wild,
Rear her high fame, and pour her precepts mild,
Converted nations own the sacred tie!
And Afric hail the day-spring from on high!
With mild philanthropy's warm zeal inspir'd;
Again he went! untrodden worlds to scan,
To meliorate the lot of savage man!
To ope the track for England's peaceful train,
That wafts her commerce o'er the azure main,
To bid fair science bless the sultry shore,
And art diffusive spread her golden store,
Bid pure Religion 'mid the trackless wild,
Rear her high fame, and pour her precepts mild,
Converted nations own the sacred tie!
And Afric hail the day-spring from on high!
