INDULGENT muse! my grov'ling mind inspire, <br />And fill my bosom with celestial fire. <br />See from Jamaica's fervid shore she moves, <br />Like the fair mother of the blooming loves, <br />When from above the Goddess with her hand <br />Fans the soft breeze, and lights upon the land; <br />Thus she on Neptune's wat'ry realm reclin'd <br />Appear'd, and thus invites the ling'ring wind. <br /> "Arise, ye winds, America explore, <br />"Waft me, ye gales, from this malignant shore; <br />"The Northern milder climes I long to greet, <br />"There hope that health will my arrival meet." <br />Soon as she spoke in my ideal view <br />The winds assented, and the vessel flew. <br /> Madam, your spouse bereft of wife and son, <br />In the grove's dark recesses pours his moan; <br />Each branch, wide-spreading to the ambient sky, <br />Forgets its verdure, and submits to die. <br /> From thence I turn, and leave the sultry plain, <br />And swift pursue thy passage o'er the main: <br />The ship arrives before the fav'ring wind, <br />And makes the Philadelphian port assign'd, <br />Thence I attend you to Bostonia's arms, <br />Where gen'rous friendship ev'ry bosom warms: <br />Thrice welcome here! may health revive again, <br />Bloom on thy cheek, and bound in ev'ry vein! <br />Then back return to gladden ev'ry heart, <br />And give your spouse his soul's far dearer part, <br />Receiv'd again with what a sweet surprise, <br />The tear in transport starting from his eyes! <br />While his attendant son with blooming grace <br />Springs to his father's ever dear embrace. <br />With shouts of joy Jamaica's rocks resound, <br />With shouts of joy the country rings around.<br /><br />Phillis Wheatley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-a-lady-on-her-coming-to-north-america-with-he/
