# Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley.

- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/dedication.md): Phillis Wheatley respectfully dedicates her collection of poems to the Right Honourable the Countess of Huntingdon, expressing her humility and devotion as a servant.
- [Letter to the Publisher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/letter-to-the-publisher.md): A letter from John Wheatley, Phillis Wheatley's master, to the publisher attesting to her remarkable intellectual achievements. He describes how she was brought from Africa at age seven or eight in 1761, learned English 
- [Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/poems-on-various-subjects-religious-and-moral.md): This chapter presents a collection of poems by Phillis Wheatley, exploring themes of Christian redemption, classical and biblical allusions, and the moral and spiritual journey from enslavement to salvation. The poems re
- [To Maecenas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-maecenas.md): The speaker addresses Maecenas, celebrating the power of classical poets like Homer and Virgil, while lamenting her own inability to match their genius. She reflects on the partial grace given to Terence, the only Africa
- [On Virtue](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-virtue.md): The speaker addresses Virtue as a bright jewel and a queen, striving to comprehend and embrace it. Despite acknowledging that wisdom is beyond a fool's reach, the speaker refuses to despair, recognizing that Virtue is ne
- [To the University of Cambridge, in New-England](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-the-university-of-cambridge-in-new-england.md): Phillis Wheatley addresses the students of Harvard, reflecting on her own journey from Africa ("the land of errors, and Egyptian gloom") to America, and urges them to embrace their Christian faith, study the heavens, and
- [To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. 1768](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-the-king-s-most-excellent-majesty-1768.md): A poem expressing loyalty and praise to King George III, wishing him a long reign, divine protection, and the ability to rule with peace and freedom for his subjects.
- [On Being Brought from Africa to America](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-being-brought-from-africa-to-america.md): The speaker reflects on being brought from Africa to America, acknowledging it as an act of divine mercy that led to Christian redemption. She notes the scorn some hold for Black people but reminds Christians that even t
- [On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-the-death-of-the-rev-dr-sewell-1769.md): The poem mourns the death of Reverend Dr. Sewell, celebrating his ascension to heaven and urging readers to follow his pious example. It reflects on his pastoral care, his role as a spiritual guide, and the hope of etern
- [On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield. 1770](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-the-death-of-the-rev-mr-george-whitefield-1770.md): An elegy mourning the death of Reverend George Whitefield, celebrating his saintly life, powerful preaching, and selfless ministry. The poem depicts his ascent to heaven, his prayers for America and Africans, and calls f
- [On the Death of a Young Lady of Five Years of Age](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-the-death-of-a-young-lady-of-five-years-of-age.md): The poem consoles grieving parents over the death of their five-year-old daughter, Nancy, by describing her joyful ascent to heaven and urging them to accept God's will with gratitude and hope.
- [On the Death of a Young Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-the-death-of-a-young-gentleman.md): The poem mourns the death of a young gentleman, celebrating his spiritual victory over Satan and his ascension to a heavenly reward. The speaker expresses a desire to witness his glory and offers consolation to the griev
- [To a Lady on the Death of Her Husband](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-lady-on-the-death-of-her-husband.md): The poem addresses a grieving widow, urging her to look beyond earthly sorrow and find consolation in the Christian hope of reunion with her husband in the afterlife. It personifies Death as a grim, insatiable monarch an
- [Goliath of Gath](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/goliath-of-gath.md): This chapter retells the biblical story of David and Goliath in poetic form, describing the Philistine giant's challenge, David's courageous acceptance, and his victory through divine aid.
- [Thoughts on the Works of Providence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/thoughts-on-the-works-of-providence.md): The poem celebrates divine providence and the grandeur of creation, urging the soul to praise God. It explores the interplay between Reason and Love, the cycles of day and night, and the mercy of God in granting sleep an
- [To a Lady on the Death of Three Relations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-lady-on-the-death-of-three-relations.md): The poem meditates on the universal power of Death, which claims all ages and realms, and offers consolation to a lady mourning the loss of three relatives. It describes the deceased as freed from bondage, their spirits 
- [To a Clergyman on the Death of His Lady](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-clergyman-on-the-death-of-his-lady.md): The poem offers consolation to a clergyman grieving his wife's death, depicting her in heaven among angels and urging him to look forward to reunion in the afterlife. It emphasizes Christian redemption, the futility of e
- [An Hymn to the Morning](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/an-hymn-to-the-morning.md): The poet invokes the nine muses to refine her song in praise of Aurora, the dawn. She describes the awakening of nature—rays spreading, zephyrs playing, birds resuming their songs—and calls on the groves and Calliope to 
- [An Hymn to the Evening](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/an-hymn-to-the-evening.md): A poetic meditation on the beauty and grandeur of evening, invoking nature's imagery to inspire virtue, divine worship, and moral purity, ending with a prayer for restful sleep and a refined awakening.
- [Isaiah 63:1–8](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/isaiah-63-1-8.md): The chapter depicts a divine warrior, identified as the Almighty Saviour, returning from Edom with garments stained red from trampling the winepress of wrath. He alone has trodden the press, with no human aid, to atone f
- [On Recollection](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-recollection.md): The poem invokes Mneme, the personification of memory, to inspire the poet's song. It explores memory's power to recall past deeds, both virtuous and vicious, and its role in moral judgment. The poet reflects on eighteen
- [On Imagination](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-imagination.md): The poem celebrates the power of imagination, depicting it as an imperial queen that can transcend the physical world, create beauty even in winter, and command the passions. The speaker ultimately acknowledges the limit
- [A Funeral Poem on the Death of C. E. An Infant of Twelve Months](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/a-funeral-poem-on-the-death-of-c-e-an-infant-of-twelve-months.md): The poem describes the soul of an infant ascending to heaven, where angels welcome him to a divine abode. The child rejoices that God took him before he could be corrupted by vice or temptation. The speaker then addresse
- [To Captain H⸺d, of the 65th Regiment](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-captain-h-d-of-the-65th-regiment.md): The poem praises Captain H⸺d, a Christian and a hero, whose valor and virtue are celebrated as he serves Britannia in the field of battle.
- [To the Right Honourable William, Earl of Dartmouth, His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for North-America, etc.](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-the-right-honourable-william-earl-of-dartmouth-his-majesty-s-principal-secretary-of-state-for-north-america-etc.md): Phillis Wheatley celebrates the appointment of the Earl of Dartmouth as Secretary of State for North America, praising the arrival of Freedom under his governance. She contrasts this hope with her own experience of being
- [Ode to Neptune](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/ode-to-neptune.md): The speaker calls upon Neptune to calm the stormy sea as Susanna voyages to England, invoking the aid of sea deities and the sun god Sol. The poem expresses hope for a safe journey and a warm welcome in Britannia, ending
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/i.md): The speaker calls upon the tyrannical sea god Aeolus to be still and not frown while Susanna travels safely across the water amid raging tempests and thunder.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/ii.md): The power of the sea responds to a song, and the blue-eyed daughters of the sea glide along with sweeter cadence. The Thames joins the song, and Sol (the sun) shines benignly, doubling the radiance of the day.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/iii.md): The speaker praises Britannia's inviting climate and charms, and calls upon Neptune to fulfill a promise, expressing a prayer for safe passage or favorable outcome.
- [To a Lady on Her Coming to North-America with Her Son, for the Recovery of Her Health](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-lady-on-her-coming-to-north-america-with-her-son-for-the-recovery-of-her-health.md): The poem invokes the muse for inspiration to describe a lady traveling from Jamaica to North America for health reasons. It depicts her journey across the sea, her arrival in Philadelphia and Boston, and the joyful reuni
- [To a Lady on Her Remarkable Preservation in an Hurricane in North-Carolina](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-lady-on-her-remarkable-preservation-in-an-hurricane-in-north-carolina.md): The poem describes a hurricane's fury and a lady named Maria's miraculous preservation through divine intervention, emphasizing themes of mortality, divine providence, and gratitude for survival and reunion with family.
- [To a Lady and Her Children, on the Death of Her Son and Their Brother](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-lady-and-her-children-on-the-death-of-her-son-and-their-brother.md): The poem mourns the death of a young man, addressing his mother and siblings. It describes the overwhelming grief of the family and the poor he supported, then shifts to a Christian consolation: the deceased has ascended
- [To a Gentleman and Lady on the Death of the Lady’s Brother and Sister, and a Child of the Name of Avis, Aged One Year](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-gentleman-and-lady-on-the-death-of-the-lady-s-brother-and-sister-and-a-child-of-the-name-of-avis-aged-one-year.md): The poem reflects on the universality of death, describing a scene where a brother, sister, and infant child lie dead. The speaker urges the grieving lady to set aside her sorrow, resign her loved ones to God's will, and
- [On the Death of Dr. Samuel Marshall. 1771](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-the-death-of-dr-samuel-marshall-1771.md): The poem mourns the death of Dr. Samuel Marshall, a beloved physician and friend, whose passing leaves his family and community in deep grief. It reflects on his compassion, skill, and the void his death creates, while o
- [To a Gentleman on His Voyage to Great-Britain for the Recovery of His Health](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-gentleman-on-his-voyage-to-great-britain-for-the-recovery-of-his-health.md): The speaker addresses a gentleman (R—) who is traveling to Great Britain to recover his health. The poem contrasts typical poetic themes of idyllic scenes with a more urgent, personal plea for the healing powers of the s
- [To the Rev. Dr. Thomas Amory, on Reading His Sermons on Daily Devotion, in Which That Duty Is Recommended and Assisted](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-the-rev-dr-thomas-amory-on-reading-his-sermons-on-daily-devotion-in-which-that-duty-is-recommended-and-assisted.md): The speaker praises Rev. Dr. Thomas Amory for his sermons that cultivate habitual grace and refined sentiments, inspiring virtue and exposing vice. The poem contrasts divine wisdom with atheistic notions of chance or sel
- [On the Death of J. C. An Infant](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/on-the-death-of-j-c-an-infant.md): A elegy mourning the death of an infant named J. C., describing the sorrow of the parents and the community, but ultimately offering consolation through Christian faith that the child has ascended to heaven and should be
- [An Hymn to Humanity](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/an-hymn-to-humanity.md): The poem celebrates the descent of divine Humanity to earth, inspiring virtue, friendship, and artistic creation. It addresses S.P.G. Esq., acknowledging his pity for the languid muse and the resulting inspiration that a
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter describes a heavenly prince descending from his celestial home to the dark earthly world, highlighting the wonder and divine charm of his incarnation.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/ii.md): The chapter describes how a divine figure, likely Jove, observes and establishes his empire in the hearts of the great and good, and then addresses his son with affection.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/iii.md): A poetic invocation calling for a divine presence to descend to earth, inspire human hearts, and expand the mind with boundless generosity and divine fire.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/iv.md): The chapter describes a swift divine messenger moving from star to star, leaving a bright abode, and imparting virtue's charms to a raptured heart that perceives the rushing God.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/v.md): The speaker addresses a compassionate figure whose pity elevated the languishing muse, prompting the celestial nine to descend and inspire the speaker's lyre.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/vi.md): The poet questions whether Afric's muse could forget true friendship, suggesting that immortal friendship, crowned with laurels and surrounded by the Graces, is a heavenly art that moves the human heart.
- [To the Honourable T. H. Esq.; On the Death of His Daughter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-the-honourable-t-h-esq-on-the-death-of-his-daughter.md): The poem addresses a grieving father, T. H., mourning the death of his daughter. It encourages him to find solace in recollection and the daughter's virtuous life, depicting her joyful ascent to heaven where she reunites
- [Niobe in Distress for Her Children Slain by Apollo, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Book VI and from a View of the Painting of Mr. Richard Wilson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/niobe-in-distress-for-her-children-slain-by-apollo-from-ovid-s-metamorphoses-book-vi-and-from-a-view-of-the-painting-of-mr-richard-wilson.md): The chapter recounts the myth of Niobe, the proud Phrygian queen who boasts of her many children and scorns the goddess Latona. In punishment, Apollo and Diana slay all of Niobe's sons and daughters. Niobe's hubris leads
- [To S. M. A Young African Painter, on Seeing His Works](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-s-m-a-young-african-painter-on-seeing-his-works.md): Phillis Wheatley addresses the young African painter Scipio Moorhead, praising his artistic skill and encouraging him to pursue noble themes and immortal fame. She envisions a future beyond earthly life where both painte
- [To His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, on the Death of His Lady. March 24, 1773](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-his-honour-the-lieutenant-governor-on-the-death-of-his-lady-march-24-1773.md): The poem addresses Lieutenant-Governor Oliver on the death of his wife, consoling him by describing Death as a force that leads the virtuous to heavenly peace. It celebrates the deceased lady's virtue and her ascension t
- [A Farewel to America. To Mrs. S. W.](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/a-farewel-to-america-to-mrs-s-w.md): The speaker bids farewell to New England's spring landscapes, mourning ill health and the sorrow of parting from Susanna. Despite the beauty of nature, the voyage to Britannia's shore brings hope of health, yet the speak
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/i.md): The speaker bids farewell to New England's pleasant landscapes and the spring season, choosing to venture into the dangerous sea.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/ii.md): The speaker laments their poor health, finding no joy in the beauty of flowers or the northern landscape.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/iii.md): The speaker invokes a celestial maiden, expressing a deep longing to feel her influence and regain the vanished joys of her presence.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/v.md): The speaker observes a woman's grief and urges her not to sigh or groan on the speaker's behalf.
- [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/vi.md): The speaker laments that despite the beauty of spring—the singing birds, blooming garden, and sweet perfumes—these joys are in vain, suggesting a sense of loss or sorrow that renders nature's pleasures meaningless.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/vii.md): The chapter describes a voyage across the ocean toward Britannia's distant shore, with the travelers marveling at the vast expanse of the sea.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/viii.md): The chapter personifies Health as a celestial, serene figure adorned with Hebe's mantle, bringing delight to the soul.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/ix.md): A brief poetic description of London shrouded in misty vapors that obscure the dawn's colors and beauty.
- [X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/x.md): The speaker implores Phoebus, the sun god, to hasten his journey across the sky so that they may behold a famous town, invoking the king of day for swift illumination.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/xi.md): The speaker expresses a willingness to leave New England for Britannia, finding joy in the prospect of seeing her divine charms again.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/xii.md): The speaker resists temptation, commanding it to depart and refusing to be seduced by its enchanting allure.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/xiii.md): A brief poetic reflection on the blessedness of those whose faith protects them from temptation, dated Boston, May 7, 1773.
- [A Rebus, by I. B.](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/a-rebus-by-i-b.md): A rebus poem that uses riddles and wordplay to encode a town name, referencing a bird, a horned creature, a green gem, a town of gaiety, a Dardan hero, and a peer, ultimately celebrating Britannia's fame.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/i.md): The chapter presents a series of riddles describing various objects: a bird that fed an army, a horned creature on British standards, and a green gem.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/ii.md): The chapter describes a lively town of pleasure and courtship, and references a Dardan hero known for youth and beauty who was killed by a monarch.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/iii.md): The chapter celebrates a figure who speaks out against violated laws and grievances, symbolizing a vanquished town that brings glory to Britannia.
- [An Answer to the Rebus, by the Author of These Poems](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/an-answer-to-the-rebus-by-the-author-of-these-poems.md): The poet responds to a rebus, demonstrating the obedience of the infant muse. The poem references the quail that fed Israel in the wilderness, the unicorn on Britain's royal standard, the emerald in regal crowns, the tow
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/endnotes.md): This chapter provides endnotes for the preceding poems and writings, offering brief clarifications on references such as the African birth of a subject, the repeal of the Stamp Act, the Countess of Huntingdon, and other 

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters