_Numen_;
And in the _hundreds_ of _Old Drury_,
Descant _de legibus Naturae_{14}.
Let's prowl the courts of _Newton-Street_,
Where infamy and murder meet; 235
Where CARPMEAL{15} must with caution tread,
MACMANUS tremble for his head,
JEALOUS look sharp with all his eyes,
And TOWNSHEND apprehend surprise;
And having view'd the horrid maze, 240
Let's justify the Planter's ways.

Lo then, in yonder fragrant isle
Where Nature ever seems to smile,
The cheerful _gang_{16}!--the negroes see
Perform the task of industry:
Ev'n at their labour hear them sing, 245
While time flies quick on downy wing;
Finish'd the bus'ness of the day,
No human beings are more gay:
Of food, clothes, cleanly lodging sure,
Each has his property secure; 250
Their wives and children are protected,
In sickness they are not neglected;
And when old age brings a release,
Their grateful days they end in peace.

But should our Wrongheads have their will, 255
Should Parliament approve their bill,
Pernicious as th' effect would be,
T' abolish negro slavery,
Such partial freedom would be vain,
Since Love's strong empire must remain. 260

VENUS, Czarina of the skies,
Despotick by her killing eyes,
Millions of slaves who don't complain,
Confess her universal reign:
And _Cupid_ too well-us'd to try 265
His bow-string lash, and darts to ply,
Her little _Driver_ still we find,
A wicked rogue, although he's blind.

Bring me not maxims from the schools;
Experience now my conduct rules; 270
O ------! trust thy lover true,
I must and will be slave to you.

Yet I must say--but pr'ythee smile,--
'Twas a hard trip to Paphos isle;
By your keen roving glances caught, 275
And to a beauteous tyrant brought;
My head with giddiness turn'd round,
With strongest fetters I was bound;
I fancy from my frame and face,
You thought me of th' Angola race{17}: 280
You kept me long indeed, my dear,
Between the decks of hope and fear;
But this and all the _