The Slave's Complaint

The Slave's Complaint

Original Text
George M. Horton, The Hope of Liberty. Containing a Number of Poetical Pieces (Raleigh: J. Gales, 1829): Nendeln: Kraus Reprint, 1973. HT 869 A3 H67 1973 Robarts Library.
1Am I sadly cast aside,
2On misfortune's rugged tide?
3Will the world my pains deride
4            Forever?
5Must I dwell in Slavery's night,
6And all pleasure take its flight,
7Far beyond my feeble sight,
8            Forever?
9Worst of all, must Hope grow dim,
10And withhold her cheering beam?
11Rather let me sleep and dream
12            Forever!
13Something still my heart surveys,
14Groping through this dreary maze;
15Is it Hope? -- then burn and blaze
16            Forever!
17Leave me not a wretch confined,
18Altogether lame and blind --
19Unto gross despair consigned,
20            Forever!
21Heaven! in whom can I confide?
22Canst thou not for all provide?
23Condescend to be my guide
24            Forever:
25And when this transient life shall end,
26Oh, may some kind eternal friend
27Bid me from servitude ascend,
28            Forever!
Publication Start Year
1829
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
RPO 1998.
Rhyme