SEPTEMBER 1, 1802

We had a female Passenger who came

From Calais with us, spotlessin array,

A white-robed Negro,like a lady gay,

Yet downcastas 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!