SONNET V

Did then the bold Slave rear at last the Sword

Of Vengeance? drench'd he deep its thirsty blade

In the cold bosom of his tyrant lord?

Oh! who shall blame him? thro’ the midnight shade

Still o'er his tortur'd memory rush'd the thought

Of every past delight; his native grove,

Friendship's best joys, and Liberty and Love,

All lost for ever! then Remembrance wrought

His soul to madness; round his restless bed

Freedom's pale spectre stalk'd, with a stern smile

Pointing the wounds of slavery, the while

She shook her chains and hung her sullen head:

No more on Heaven he calls with fruitless breath,

But sweetens with revenge, the draught of death.