While editing the Genius Garrison found no time to indulge his fondness for writing verses, and some lines[181] Sir, I owe you no ill-will. My soul weeps over your error. I denounced your conduct in strong language—but did not you deserve it? Consult your Bible and your heart. I am in prison for denouncing slavery in a free country! You, who have assisted in oppressing your fellow-creatures, are permitted to go at large, and to enjoy the fruits of your crime! Cui prodest scelus, is fecit. You shall hear from me again. In the meantime, with mingled emotions, &c., &c.William Lloyd Garrison. Baltimore Jail, May 13, 1830.
[For the Courier.]Mr. Editor: At the request of the State of Maryland, (through the medium of Judge Nicholas Brice,) I have removed from my residence in Baltimore Street to a less central but more imposing tenement. My windows are grated—probably to exclude nocturnal visitants, and to show the singular estimation in which my person is held. The cause of this preferment arises from my opposition to slavery. I send you a Sonnet which I pencilled on the wall of my room the morning after my incarceration. It is a little bulletin showing in what manner I rested during the preceding night.Sonnet to sleep.
Thou art no fawning sycophant, sweet Sleep!
That turn'st away when fortune 'gins to frown,
Leaving the stricken wretch alone to weep,
And curse his former opulent renown:
O no! but here—even to this desolate place—
Thou com'st as 'twere a palace trimm'd with gold,
Its architecture of Corinthian grace,
Its gorgeous pageants dazzling to behold:—
No prison walls nor bolts can thee affright—
Where dwelleth innocence, there thou art found!
How pleasant, how sincere wast thou last night!
What blissful dreams my morning slumber crowned!
Health-giving Sleep! than mine a nobler verse
Must to the world thy matchless worth rehearse.
W. L. G.
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While editing the Genius Garrison found no time to indulge his fondness for writing verses, and some lines
[For the Courier.]
The Century Company. , 1885-1889.
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