SONNET VI

High in the air expos'd the Slave is hung

To all the birds of Heaven, their living food!

He groans not, tho’ awaked by that fierce Sun

New torturers live to drink their parent blood!

He groans not, tho’ the gorging Vulture tear

The quivering fibre! hither gaze O ye

Who tore this Man from Peace and Liberty!

Gaze hither ye who weigh with scrupulous care

The right and prudent; for beyond the grave

There is another world! and call to mind,

Ere your decrees proclaim to all mankind

Murder is legalized, that there the Slave

Before the Eternal, “thunder-tongued shall plead

“Against the deep damnation of your deed.”