I. <br /> <br />Lo! for this dark terrestrial ball <br />Forsakes his azure-paved hall <br /> A prince of heav'nly birth! <br />Divine Humanity behold, <br />What wonders rise, what charms unfold <br /> At his descent to earth! <br /> <br />II. <br /> <br />The bosoms of the great and good <br />With wonder and delight he view'd, <br /> And fix'd his empire there: <br />Him, close compressing to his breast, <br />The sire of gods and men address'd, <br /> "My son, my heav'nly fair! <br /> <br />III. <br /> <br />"Descend to earth, there place thy throne; <br />"To succour man's afflicted son <br /> "Each human heart inspire: <br />"To act in bounties unconfin'd <br />"Enlarge the close contracted mind, <br /> "And fill it with thy fire." <br /> <br />IV. <br /> <br />Quick as the word, with swift career <br />He wings his course from star to star, <br /> And leaves the bright abode. <br />The Virtue did his charms impart; <br />Their G-----! then thy raptur'd heart <br /> Perceiv'd the rushing God: <br /> <br />V. <br /> <br />For when thy pitying eye did see <br />The languid muse in low degree, <br /> Then, then at thy desire <br />Descended the celestial nine; <br />O'er me methought they deign'd to shine, <br />And deign'd to string my lyre. <br /> <br />VI. <br /> <br />Can Afric's muse forgetful prove? <br />Or can such friendship fail to move <br /> A tender human heart? <br />Immortal Friendship laurel-crown'd <br />The smiling Graces all surround <br /> With ev'ry heav'nly Art.<br /><br />Phillis Wheatley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/an-hymn-to-humanity/
