“Through thickest gloom look back, immortal shade,On that confusion which thy death has made.””
Complete Writings
Quotes by Phillis Wheatley
“In every human Breast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance.””
“Twas mercy brought me from my Paganland, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there's a God, that there's a Savior too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.””
Poems of Phillis Wheatley
“On VirtueO thou bright jewel in my aim I strive To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach. I cease to wonder, and no more attempt Thine height t’explore, or fathom thy profound. But, O my soul, sink not into despair, Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand Would now embrace thee, hovers o’er thine head. Fain would the heaven-born soul with her converse, Then seek, then court her for her promised bliss. Auspicious queen, thine heavenly pinions spread, And lead celestial Chastity along; Lo! now her sacred retinue descends, Arrayed in glory from the orbs above. Attend me, Virtue, thro’ my youthful years! O leave me not to the false joys of time! But guide my steps to endless life and bliss. Greatness, or Goodness, say what I shall call thee, To give an higher appellation still, Teach me a better strain, a nobler lay, O Thou, enthroned with Cherubs in the realms of day!””
“On stormy tempests, ever-dreary seas, / The way to long-seek'd Britain's coast we bend””
Phillis WheatleyPhillis Wheatley Peters was an American poet who made history as the first African-American author to publish a book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery at a young ...