Phillis wheatley quotes from poems

But, O my soul, sink not into despair,

Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand

Would now embrace thee, hovers o’er thine head.

"On Virtue"

This quotation illustrates the power of "Virtue" in this poem.

Phillis wheatley quotes from poems

The speaker personifies virtue and frames it as a force that comforts and assuages the soul. Even though the speaker cannot comprehend virtue, virtue follows and guides the speaker.

Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,

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

"On Being Brought from Africa to America"

These final lines in "On Being Brought from Africa to America" insist that anyone can "join th' angelic train" and be redeemed, regardless of their race.

The preceding lines of this poem suggest that some, presumably white Christians, will see black people as "scornful" or "diabolic," but the speaker maintains the equality of all under Christianity.

Imagination! who can sing thy force?

Or who describe the swiftness of thy course?

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