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The Negro's Complaint

Forc'd from home and all its pleasures, Afric's coast I left forlorn; To encrease a stranger's treasures, O'er the raging willows born. Men from England bought and sold me, Paid my prince in paltry gold: But tho theirs they have enroll'd me, Minds are never to be sold.

     2

Still is thought as free as ever What are England's rights, I ask, Me from my delight to sever, Me to torture me to task? Fleecy locks and black complexion, cannot forfeit natures claim: Theirs may differ, but Affection Dwells in white and black the same.

    3

Why did all creating nature Make the plant for wch we toil? Sighs must fan it, tears must water Sweat of ours must dress the soil. Think ye, Masters, ironhearted, ?olling at your jovial boards; Think how many backs have smarted For the sweets your cane affords.

   4

Is there as ye sometimes tell us, ? there one who reigns on high? Has he bid you to buy and sell us Speaking how his throne -- the sky? Ask him if your knotted scourges, ?atches blood extorting screws ?re the means wch duty urges, ?gents of his Will to use.