Fleecy locks and black complexion

Quote byWilliam Cowper · 1731–1800

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Negro's Complaint (1788), Lines 13-16.

English (original)

Fleecy locks and black complexion Cannot forfeit nature's claim; Skins may differ, but affection Dwells in white and black the same.

— William Cowper

Beware of desp'rate steps! The darkest day (Live till tomorrow) will have passed away.

But oars alone can ne'er prevail To reach the distant coast; The breath of Heaven must swell the sail, Or all the toil is lost.

Absence from whom we love is worse than death, And frustrate hope severer than despair.

Damned below Judas; more abhorred than he was.

Man disobeys, and deity disowns me.

Oh! I could thresh his old jacket till I made his pension jingle in his pockets.