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A Letter from Phillis Weatley ENG-102 Lyrics by Robert Hayden

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London, 1773
Dear Obour
Our crossing was without
event. I could not help, at times,
reflecting on that my first–my Destined–
voyage long ago (I yet
have some remembrance of its Horrors)
and marvelling at God’s Ways.
Last evening, her Ladyship presented me
to her illustrious Friends.
I could scarce tell them anything
of Africa, though much of Boston
and my hope of Heaven. I read
my latest Elegies to them.
“O Sable Muse!” the Countess cried,
embracing me, when I had done.
I held back tears, as is my wont,
and there were tears in Dear
Nathaniel’s eyes.
At supper–I dined apart
like captive Royalty–
the Countess and her Guests promised
signatures affirming me
True Poetess, albeit once a slave.
Indeed, they were most kind, and spoke,
moreover, of presenting me
at Court (I thought of Pocahontas)–
an Honor, to be sure, but one
I should, no doubt, as Patriot decline.
My health is much improved;
I feel I may, if God so Wills,
entirely recover here.
Idyllic England! Alas, there is
no Eden without its Serpent. Under
the chiming Complaisance I hear him Hiss;
I see his flickering tongue
when foppish would-be Wits
murmur of the Yankee Pedlar
and his Cannibal Mockingbird.
Sister, forgive th’intrusion of
my Sombreness–Nocturnal Mood
I would not share with any save
your trusted Self. Let me disperse,
in closing, such unseemly Gloom
by mention of an Incident
you may, as I, consider Droll:
Today, a little Chimney Sweep,
his face and hands with soot quite Black,
staring hard at me, politely asked:
“Does you, M’lady, sweep chimneys too?”
I was amused, but dear Nathaniel
(ever Solicitous) was not.
I pray the Blessings of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ be yours
Abundantly. In His Name,
Phillis
Credits
Robert Hayden

Robert Hayden

About “A Letter from Phillis Weatley ENG-102” by Robert Hayden

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