On being brought from Africa to America  (1773)

PHILLIS WHEATLEY

’TWAS mercy brought me from my Pagan land,

Taught my benighted soul to understand

That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too:

Once I redemption neither fought nor knew.

Some view our sable race with scornful eye,                5

“Their colour is a diabolic die.”

Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,

May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.