The Slave Singing at Midnight
The Slave Singing at Midnight - context Summary
Published Amid Abolitionist Ferment
Published in 1842 and shaped by Longfellow’s exposure to anti-slavery sentiment, the poem depicts an enslaved Black man singing a psalm at night. The speaker hears hymns of Israel’s deliverance and the prison-song of Paul and Silas, then contrasts those biblical rescues with the slave’s continued bondage, asking rhetorically what divine force will break his chains. It frames faith and longing for liberation.
Read Complete AnalysesLoud he sang the psalm of David! He, a Negro and enslaved, Sang of Israel's victory, Sang of Zion, bright and free. In that hour, when night is calmest, Sang he from the Hebrew Psalmist, In a voice so sweet and clear That I could not choose but hear, Songs of triumph, and ascriptions, Such as reached the swart Egyptians, When upon the Red Sea coast Perished Pharaoh and his host. And the voice of his devotion Filled my soul with strange emotion; For its tones by turns were glad, Sweetly solemn, wildly sad. Paul and Silas, in their prison, Sang of Christ, the Lord arisen. And an earthquake's arm of might Broke their dungeon-gates at night. But, alas! what holy angel Brings the Slave this glad evangel? And what earthquake's arm of might Breaks his dungeon-gates at night?
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