O! for this dark terrestrial ball
Forsakes his azure-paved hall
    A prince of heav'nly birth!
Divine Humanity behold,
What wonders rise, what charms unfold
    At his descent to earth!

II.

The bosoms of the great and good
With wonder and delight he view'd,
    And fix'd his empire there:
Him, close compressing to his breast,
The sire of gods and men address'd,
    "My son, my heav'nly fair!

III.

"Descend to earth, there place thy throne;
"To succour man's afflicted son
    "Each human heart inspire:
"To act in bounties unconfin'd
"Enlarge the close contracted mind,
    "And fill it with thy fire."

IV.

Quick as the word, with swift career
He wings his course from star to star,
    And leaves the bright abode.
The Virtue did his charms impart;
Their G——! then thy raptur'd heart
    Perceiv'd the rushing God:

V.

For when thy pitying eye did see
The languid muse in low degree,
    Then, then at thy desire
Descended the celestial nine;
O'er me methought they deign'd to shine,
And deign'd to string my lyre. 

VI.

Can Afric's muse forgetful prove?
Or can such friendship fail to move
    A tender human heart?
Immortal Friendship laurel-crown'd
The smiling Graces all surround
    With ev'ry heav'nly Art.

Poet: Phillis Wheatley
Poem: An Hymn To Humanity (To S.P.G. Esp)
Year: Published/Written in 1773
Poem of the Day: May 3 2010

Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, An Hymn To Humanity (To S.P.G. Esp), has received 3 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own.