The number he was invited to examine, consisted of men, women, and children; and, to any but a slave-dealer, the sight was heart-rending. Fathers overwhelmed in silent sorrow; mothers expressing their anguish in affecting lamentations, audible sighs, or deep groans, expecting every moment to be separated from their tender offspring, whom they clasped to their bosoms, or endeavoured to hide under the folds of their pacans; youthful females shrinking from the brutal gaze of the trader, and dreading nameless indignities; the fiery eye of many a youth, indignant at the bonds which confined him from levelling to the ground the wretches who bought and sold him as a beast of the field, and tore him from the object of his love, whom he was powerless to save from death and bondage. But such a scene was of too frequent occurrence, the cry of the innocent was too familiar, to make any impression upon those who were bargaining. Irving purchased many of them; and having seen them marked as his property, (Note L.) left his people to conduct them to Whidáh; whither, after having taken a cordial leave of the king, and so far conciliated him and the grandee as to ensure future advantages, he himself, with his attendants and the female slave, returned that evening. Canst thou, and honoured with a Christian name, Buy what is woman-born and feel no shame? Trade in the blood of innocence, and plead Expedience as a warrant for the deed? Perish the thought! CHAPTER VI. "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source." Barton (adapted.) "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."