Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy sideThy every action let the goddess guide.

- Phillis Wheatley

Thou didst, in strains of eloquence refin'd, Inflame the soul, and captivate the mind.

- Phillis Wheatley

In every human Beast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance.

- Phillis Wheatley

Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain, /May be refin'd and join th' angelic train.

- Phillis Wheatley

The world is a severe schoolmaster, for its frowns are less dangerous than its smiles and flatteries, and it is a difficult task to keep in the path …

- Phillis Wheatley

Through thickest gloom look back, immortal shade, On that confusion which thy death has made.

- Phillis Wheatley

May be refined, and join the angelic train.

- Phillis Wheatley

Aurora hail, and all the thousand dies, Which deck thy progress through the vaulted skies: The morn awakes, and wide extends her rays, On ev'ry leaf …

- Phillis Wheatley

Since my return to America my Master, has at the desire of my friends in England given me my freedom.

- Phillis Wheatley