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Humanity, or the rights of nature, a poem

in two books. By the author of sympathy [i.e. S. J. Pratt]

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105

The good Man spake, applauding thousands bow'd,
The Hero triumph'd, and the Christian glow'd,
Unnumber'd Hearts by great example fir'd
Bent to the Law HUMANITY requir'd
Unnumber'd Manacles that moment broke,
Unnumber'd Slaves were loosen'd from the yoke,
Unnumber'd Hands were folded up in air,
Unnumber'd Voices breath'd a grateful prayer,
Unnumber'd Eyes so lately bath'd in woe,
Ah blissful change! with tears of joy o'erflow:
From God the spark began, to Man it came,
Till all perceiving, all partook the flame
Heav'n's fire electric, as one touch'd the ball,
It struck a second till it spread to all.