Sonett-Forum

THE KNEELING SLAVE.
' Am I not a man and a brother ? '

MY heart is sad as I contemplate thee,
Thou fettered victim of despotic sway ;
Driven, like a senseless brute, from day to day,
Though equal born, and as thy tyrant free.

With hands together clasped imploringly,
And face upturned to Heaven, (Heaven shall repay !)
For liberty and justice thou dost pray,
In piteous accents, and on bended knee.

Thy exclamation, ' AM I MOT A MAN ?
A BROTHER ?' thrills my soul ! I answer YES !
Though placed beneath an ignominious ban,

That thou art both, all shall at last confess :
To rescue thee incessantly I 'll plan,
And toil and plead, thy injuries to redress.




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