Thy country, Wilberforce, with just disdain, <br /> Hears thee, by cruel men and impious, call'd <br /> Fanatic, for thy zeal to loose th' enthrall'd <br /> From exile, public sale, and slav'ry's chain. <br /> Friend of the poor, the wrong'd, the fetter-gall'd, <br /> Fear not lest labour such as thine be vain! <br /> Thou hast achiev'd a part; hast gain'd the ear <br /> Of Britain's senate to thy glorious cause; <br /> Hope smiles, joy springs, and tho' cold caution pause <br /> And weave delay, the better hour is near, <br /> That shall remunerate thy toils severe <br /> By peace for Afric, fenc'd with British laws. <br /> Enjoy what thou hast won, esteem and love <br /> From all the just on earth, and all the blest above!<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-to-william-wilberforce-esq/
