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-2/
