Now ruthless Tyranny triumphant reigns, Of Hope's sweet glow no soothing ray remains. Far from fair Freedom's blissful regions thrown, The abject suff'rers heave th' unheeded groan. At ev'ry movement of th' imperious brow, Beneath rude hands, the hapless wretches bow. Should the keen glance mark indignation's eye, Struck to the deck, the prostrate victims lie: Or to the shrouds ingloriously bound, They feel the lash in many a smarting wound. Nor dares resentment lift th' avenging hand-- With sinking spirits, and a frame unmann'd-- For, now (the meal in stinted boon supply'd, And cheering bev'rage purposely deny'd.) The vital current flags--the sinews faint, Th' exhausted voice scarce breathes the weak complaint: A torpid languor seizes ev'ry vein, And the soul sinks beneath th' oppressive chain.
Ye sons of _Britain_, who, in dangers brave, Dare all the tumults of th' uncertain wave; Whose dauntless minds alike with ardour glow, To waft fair commerce, or to meet the foe; O shun the fatal course--whose sordid trace Leads not to glory; but with foul disgrace Stains the bright honours of a nation's fame, And sullies all the splendours of her name! O view with heedful glance the dismal scene, Reflected faithful from remembrance keen-- Behold the fervour of the torrid ray Fiercely consume each active pow'r away. That lofty spirit, which in freedom's course Urg'd its bold way with independent force, Struck by th' enfeebling clime, and fiercer sway Of tyrant power, sinks in faint dismay-- The first, devoted victim, awful falls, As outrag'd Nature on stern vengeance calls.
_The Guardian Genius of Africa calls a council of the other presiding powers--describes to them the miseries occasioned by European visitors--and proposes to each of them, in his department, to rouze the different demons of the climate, and arm them to punish the invaders on board the approaching vessel.--The morbific plagues crowd to the vindictive standard, and, taking Death for their leader, stand embattled on the shore.--The vessel arrives and anchors.--Native agents are allured, and go out on the business of the voyage.--Slaves are brought down to the vessel--are examined--purchased--put on board--and confined below.--Death, at the head of his legions, beholds the scene.--Dispatches Cruelty from the ranks to take possession of the master's heart.--Effects of this union on the crew.--The whole pestiferous body advance to the attack.--Progress of the sickness among the crew.--Death of Russel.--The contagion spreads.--Dishonours of the dead.--Address to the British senate._