under the benign protection of a fair and legitimate commerce, is assuredly capable of being civilized, enlightened, and happy; and which, in return for the inestimable gifts of instruction and religion, would cheerfully and gratefully pour its riches into the bosoms of its benefactors. But, can the arts which embellish life, can the virtues which expand the heart, can the principles that elevate the soul, can these find rest, or even enter a region devoted to blood, oppression, and desolation? Alas! while the slave-trade exists, we are compelled to unite in the fear expressed by an enlightened patriot, that 'there is no prospect of civilization or happiness for Africa.'" CHAPTER IV. "Yet was I born as you are, no man's slave, An heir to all that liberal nature gave; My mind can reason, and my limbs can move The same as yours; like yours my heart can love: Alike my body food and sleep sustain, And e'en, like yours, feels pleasure, want, and pain: One sun rolls o'er us, common skies surround, One globe contains us, and one grave must bound." Intent upon the orders of his employers, and of the advantages he should obtain by the commission, Irving studied so much to ingratiate himself with his host, that he very soon readily obtained his promise of conducting him to his slave-rooms, the first opportunity he could spare from his close attendance upon his royal master, to whom his bold and haughty spirit made him eminently useful.