Page 21 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1
Transcription:
"I knelt. . . . . . . . and. . . . and. . . &, at his feet —
"Nay Austin frown not so in scorn –
"'Twas dreadful thus alone to die
"Unhoused, deserted, & forlorn
"And not for life, even once t’ entreat! . . .
"He spurned me – – Austin still I hear
"Those accents thundering in my ear,
"And still that withering smile I see
"Which o’er those savage features passed
"As that dread voice, fell sneeringly.
"Father, not now entreat me, but tonight,
"When the round cold moon shines bright
"Prepare the rich repast – ! . . .
"He said – & plunged into the wood
"And left me trembling as I stood
"Oh Austin, he will come, & I
"Must fall, & miserably die!."
The old man paused, & from his brow
The cold, cold sweat of hagard fear
Damps his aged features now – –
But where is Austin? he is here.
His form is here – but that bold spirit
Seems from the lofty flesh departed
And on the wings of Seraphs driven
To those bright regions to inherit
Th’ eternal joys of glorious Heav’n!!
Inspired, enraptured, raised, entranced,
His meek arms folded on his breast