Page 18 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1
Transcription:
Reflected on the seas below
Her pure beams mildly flow
Upon the young waves as they sleep
And how unmoved could Austin view,
In such a night, that lovely scene,
He felt his heart was peaceful too
In that mute quiet more serene!
And prostrate on the fragrant sod
With hands upraised to that pure Heav’n
By whom such [Heavenly] lovely peace was given,
He breathed a fervent prayer to God,
With earthward face, – he could not gaze
Unmoved upon those glorious skies –
Prides haughty lightning did not flash
From the closed lid of those dark eyes –
But from th’ oershadowing lash
Fell the pure tear of gratitude, and praise!
He rose for from the opening vale
A step he hears! –
'Tis not the wind or the nightly breeze
Which rustles thro' the waving trees –
A manly form appears! –
Perhaps by steel his life t’ assail!
Nor yet he fears! –
But undismayed, unarmed he stood
His generous thoughts to ardor rushing
Prepared to feel his hearts best blood
From his dauntless bosom gushing!!