To Thomas Clarkson
On The Final Passing Of The Bill For The Abolition Of The Slave Trade
To Thomas Clarkson - context Summary
Composed for 1807 Abolition
Written at the moment of legislative victory in 1807, this short ode praises Thomas Clarkson’s long campaign against the slave trade. Wordsworth acknowledges the hardship and moral urgency of Clarkson’s work, frames him as representative of Duty and Time, and celebrates the bill’s passage as a collective triumph that grants the reformer deserved rest and honor. The poem functions as public commendation and moral consolation.
Read Complete AnalysesCLARKSON! it was an obstinate hill to climb: How toilsome--nay, how dire--it was, by thee Is known; by none, perhaps, so feelingly: But thou, who, starting in thy fervent prime, Didst first lead forth that enterprise sublime, Hast heard the constant Voice its charge repeat, Which, out of thy young heart's oracular seat, First roused thee.--O true yoke-fellow of Time, Duty's intrepid liegeman, see, the palm Is won, and by all Nations shall be worn! The blood-stained Writing is for ever torn; And thou henceforth wilt have a good man's calm, A great man's happiness; thy zeal shall find Repose at length, firm friend of human kind!
MARCH 1807
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