A prince of heaven leaves his starry palace to roam our dark world. He finds wonder in generous hearts and settles his kingdom there. The father of gods sends him to ease human sorrow, to open cramped minds, and to fill them with a warm, divine fire. Swift as the command, he shoots from star to star. The scene feels spacious and reverent — until the poem turns intimately toward a friend. When that friend, the poem’s addressee, saw the struggling African poet, her pity moved her to summon the nine Muses. They bent down, lit the speaker’s imagination, and tuned her voice. Wheatley can never forget this care. She calls it immortal Friendship, wreathed in laurel and circled by smiling Graces. The mood mingles awe with tender gratitude, as if heaven’s compassion touched the earth through one kind act.
An Hymn To Humanity (To S.P.G. Esp) — Summary
O! for this dark terrestrial ball Forsakes his azure-paved hall A prince of heav'nly birth! Divine Humanity behold, What wonders rise, what charms unfold At his descent to earth!
II.
The bosoms of the great and good With wonder and delight he view'd, And fix'd his empire there: Him, close compressing to his breast, The sire of gods and men address'd, "My son, my heav'nly fair!
III.
"Descend to earth, there place thy throne; "To succour man's afflicted son "Each human heart inspire: "To act in bounties unconfin'd "Enlarge the close contracted mind, "And fill it with thy fire."
IV.
Quick as the word, with swift career He wings his course from star to star, And leaves the bright abode. The Virtue did his charms impart; Their G——! then thy raptur'd heart Perceiv'd the rushing God:
V.
For when thy pitying eye did see The languid muse in low degree, Then, then at thy desire Descended the celestial nine; O'er me methought they deign'd to shine, And deign'd to string my lyre.
VI.
Can Afric's muse forgetful prove? Or can such friendship fail to move A tender human heart? Immortal Friendship laurel-crown'd The smiling Graces all surround With ev'ry heav'nly Art.