The substance of the “Observations” was intended to be attached to the Poem, as a set of proofs and explanations. But it was decided by those who had given their time and talents to the subject, that the prose account, substantiated by an affidavit, should precede the verses. When, therefore, at a subsequent period, the Poem was about to be published, wanting the aid of the explanatory prose, it was thought proper by the friends, whose kindness in the absence of the author, looked over the publication and its corrections, to bring the work down, in some measure to the level of plain, prosaic comprehension. In the present edition, something has been done to bring the verses nearer to the first intention. It may be right to add, that, instead of changing the form of the “Letters” it was suggested as best to leave them in their original state, _as a faithful picture of what was once the practice of the Trade_. And, in the hope, that this may be the last local and temporary representation of the horrors of the abominable Traffic, the writer cannot resist the opportunity of saying, that he feels more gratifying and solid satisfaction than he has ever before experienced, or, perhaps, than ever can again occur to him. ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK. —————————— _Subject and invocation.—The outfit of a Guinea Voyage.—Allurements and artifices to collect a crew.—Story of Russel.—Parting of Friends.—Outward passage by Madeira and the Canary Islands.—Tyranny of the Master, &c.—Apostrophe to British seamen._ THE GUINEA VOYAGE. —————————— BOOK THE FIRST. The direful Voyage to Guinea's sultry shore, And Afric's wrongs, indignant Muse! deplore. Or will the Muse the opprobious theme disdain— And start abhorrent from the unhallowed strain? How blast the bard whom happier themes inspire, Who wakes with kindred lays his melting lyre; Whose soothing tones by sympathy impart, Joy's glad emotions to the feeling heart! But mine be such dread notes as fiercely pour The shrieks of anguish on the midnight hour! Be mine the broken strain, the fearful sound, That wildly winds the howling death-song round! Come then, celestial Muse! with Sybil-bough, Lead thro' the horrors these scenes of woe: Support the fainting weakness that recoils At well-known grief's, at long-supported toils: Extend thine hand where threat'ning gulphs are spread; Lift thy broad shield where storms beat round the head: Illume the dreary waste—inspire the lay— Guide feeble pow'rs along the arduous way: Assist to paint the melancholy view, The dismal, the disgraceful track pursue, And with the Eagle-eye of Truth pervade All the dark mazes of th' _inhuman trade_.