On Being Brought from Africa to America
by Phyllis Wheatley

‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
“Their colour is a diabolic die.”
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,
May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.

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* If this is your first time reading this poem, please read it very slowly and carefully; it will be helpful to look up the italicized words (preferably in the OED). Also if you don’t already know about the poet read Wheatley’s bio via the Poetry Foundation for a good intro.

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