The Poetry Corner

Sonnet To William Wilberforce, Esq.

By William Cowper

Thy country, Wilberforce, with just disdain, Hears thee by cruel men and impious calld Fanatic, for thy zeal to loose the enthralld From exile, public sale, and slaverys chain. Friend of the poor, the wrongd, the fetter-galld, Fear not lest labour such as thine be vain. Thou hast achieved a part; hast gaind the ear Of Britains senate to thy glorious cause; Hope smiles, joy springs, and, though cold caution pause And weave delay, the better hour is near That shall remunerate thy toils severe, By peace for Afric, fenced with British laws. Enjoy what thou hast won, esteem and love From all the just on earth, and all the blest above.