Note 649 — PART THE THIRD. (continued 2)
Reading edition
We have succeeded in obtaining these verses, and think them worthy of insertion:
TO WILLIAM COWPER, ESQ.
ON READING HIS SONNET OF THE SIXTEENTH INSTANT ADDRESSED TO MR. WILBERFORCE.
Desert the cause of liberty!—the cause Of human nature!—sacred flame that burn'd So late, so bright within thee!—thence descend The monster Slavery's unnatural friend! 'Twere vile aspersion! justly, while it draws Thy virtuous indignation, greatly spurn'd. As soon the foes of Afric might expect The altar's blaze, forgetful of the law Of its aspiring nature, should direct To hell its point inverted; as to draw Virtue like thine, and genius, grovelling base, To sanction wrong, and dignify disgrace. Welcome detection! grateful to the Cause, As to its Patron, Cowper's just applause!
S. M'Clellan. April 25, 1792.