The Hottentot

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Mild, melancholy, and sedate, he stands,
  Tending another's flock upon the fields,
  His father's once, where now the White Man builds
  His home, and issues forth his proud commands.
  His dark eye flashes not; his listless hands
  Lean on the shepherd's staff; no more he wields
  The Libyan bow - but to th' oppressor yields
  Submissively his freedom and his lands.
  Has he no courage? Once he had - but, lo!
  Harsh Servitude hath worn him to the bone.
  No enterprise? Alas! the brand, the blow,
  Have humbled him to dust - even hope is gone!
  "He's a base-hearted hound - not worth his food" -
His Master cries - "he has no gratitude!"

© Thomas Pringle