Thy country, Wilberforce, with just distain,
Hears thee, by cruel men and impious call'd
Fanatic, for thy zeal to loose th' enthall'd
From exile, public sale, and slav'ry's chain.
Friend of the poor, the wrong'd, the fetter- gall'd,
Fear not lest labour such as thine be vain!
Thou hast achiev'd a part; has gain'd the ear
Of Britain's senate to thy glorious cause;
Hope smiles, joy springs, and tho' cold caution pause
And weave delay, the better hour is near,
That shall renumerate thy toils severe
By peace for Afric, fenc'd with British laws.
Enjoy what thou has won, esteem and love
From all the just on earth, and all the blest above!
- William Cowper poemhunter.com
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