Classic Poem

Oh! what can afford the poor slave reparation,
His spirits restore, or his vigor renew?
Golconda's vast treasures were no compensation,
Too trivial a boon were the mines of Peru.

Ye've wrong'd him — yet think on those wrongs with contrition,
Like Zaccheus a four-fold requital bestow;
Your heralds send forth on a merciful mission,
And teach him the way of salvation to know.

Speed — speed ye with this only true compensation,
The slave from his bondage and errors to save;
And Jesus will speak, through his blest revelation,
Glad tidings of freedom and peace to the slave.