Slavery in the Poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Page 19 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
But no! he came – that form drew near
It was not such as he could fear!
The watchman of the vale was he,
The staff was in his aged hand
And, flashing from his hollow eye,
No youthful fire… more

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… more

Page 17 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
His dearest, brightest joy – then where
Where in this vale of darkness, find
The calm enjoyment of the mind,
And comforts healing smile, but there –
Where peace sleeps in the soft, light blue –
And… more

Page 16 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
[2] The experienced sage, the youthful brave
The planter, and the suppliant slave
All all his hatred fear.
The watchman in his midnight round
Stops trembling to each passing sound
Lest he be near.

[1] And now the strong light fades away… more

Page 15 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
And muse on vengeance which should last!
And oft across the scowling brow
As torturing in thought his foe
A with’ring smile of hatred passed –
As the quick light’ning dashes
From the black mist… more

Page 14 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
The pure drops from that large black eye
Pace down the sad cold cheek, she knows not why.
But where’s the unrelenting Chief
Who rent that heart with agony –
Who deadened eyes like those with grief
And snapt her joys. . . oh where is he?

He… more

Page 13 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
Unutterable things it spoke . .
It told that Affa’s heart was broke!

Canto second
Years passed – the light swift foot of time
Swiftly o’er that… more

Page 12 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
Above the rolling deep
With its wild numbers breaks
The sleep of misery!
Slowly from those opening eyes
Unclosed the lovely lid. . .
As clouds pass from th’ ethereal skies
Which that soft azure hid!
And in a tremulous voice, & low –
… more

Page 11 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
That haughty soul which dared to sigh
For life? – Ah no – for liberty!

Night fades in silent gloom away
And rising o’er those dark blue seas
Swept lightly by the gentle breeze
Shines the young orb of day.
And the pure depths of air, are… more

Page 10 of EBB's manuscript of "The African."
Accession #: EBB MSS, D0015.1

Transcription:
Still thy soul His anger braveth
Still unatoned thy failings lie
Thou know’st not yet the Lord who saveth
Who only makes it sweet to die!
Thou know’st Him… more