Peyton Farquhar was dead; his body, with a broken neck, swung gently from side to side beneath the timbers of the Owl Creek bridge.
Concludes by revealing the grim reality that the man, Peyton Farquhar, was already dead, and his execution at Owl Creek bridge had taken place
As he is about to clasp her he feels a stunning blow upon the back of the neck; a blinding white light blazes all about him with a sound like the shock of a cannon--then all is darkness and silence!
Takes a sudden and shocking turn as the man's reunion with his wife turns into a violent and surreal experience.
All is as he left it, and all bright and beautiful in the morning sunshine.
The surroundings of his home as idyllic and unchanged since he last saw them.
How softly the turf had carpeted the untraveled avenue--he could no longer feel the roadway beneath his feet!
Conveys the surreal and dreamlike quality of the man's experience as he loses his sense of the physical world around him
His neck was in pain and lifting his hand to it found it horribly swollen.
The physical discomfort and swelling in the man's neck, which is a result of the noose around it.
These movements left the condemned man and the sergeant standing on the two ends of the same plank, which spanned three of the cross-ties of the bridge
Explains the positioning of the condemned man and the sergeant on the bridge.
The preparations being complete, the two private soldiers stepped aside and each drew away the plank upon which he had been standing
Final preparations for the execution.
He wore a mustache and pointed beard, but no whiskers; his eyes were large and dark gray, and had a kindly expression which one would hardly have expected in one whose neck was in the hemp.
Provides further details about the man's facial features and demeanor.
He was a civilian, if one might judge from his habit, which was that of a planter
Suggests that the man being hanged is not a soldier but a civilian
Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him
Reflects on the formalities and rituals associated with death in a military context.
Doubtless there was an outpost farther along
Suggests the presence of additional military positions beyond the bridge.
sentinel at each end of the bridge stood with his rifle in the position known as "support," that is to say, vertical in front of the left shoulder, the hammer resting on the forearm thrown straight across the chest--a formal and unnatural position, enforcing an erect carriage of the body.
Describes the posture and role of the sentinels.
At a short remove upon the same temporary platform was an officer in the uniform of his rank, armed. He was a captain.
Introduces the presence of an officer overseeing the execution.
A rope closely encircled his neck. It was attached to a stout cross-timber above his head and the slack fell to the level of his knees
Man's imminent execution by hanging.
The man's hands were behind his back, the wrists bound with a cord
Describes the man's physical condition and suggests he may be in a dire situation.
I first surmised the Horses' Heads
Ultimate destination of the journey
We paused before a House that seemed
Carriage stops before a house, which is described as if it's swelling from the ground, suggesting a grave or burial place.
The Dews drew quivering and Chill –
Atmosphere begins to change as the dew becomes cold and shivering, indicating the transition from life's warmth to something unknown.
At Recess – in the Ring –
Children are playing games during recess, possibly symbolizing the cycles of life and the passing of time.
For His Civility –
Made this journey due to Death's polite and courteous demeanor.
Because I could not stop for Death
Begins with the speaker personifying Death as a kind and patient entity who has come to escort her.
And Finished knowing - then -
Concludes with the idea that the speaker's journey through this mental turmoil ultimately leads to a state of "Finished knowing,"
And I dropped down, and down
Experiences a descent or fall, which further emphasizes her mental unraveling.
And then a Plank in Reason, broke,
Capacity for rational thought or reason begins to deteriorate, suggesting a descent into madness or chaos.
And I, and Silence, some strange Race,
Become a peculiar or unfamiliar existence or entity, possibly highlighting a feeling of isolation or detachment.
As all the Heavens were a Bell,
Trolling of space expands to include the heavens, suggesting a vast and cosmic resonance.
Kept beating - beating - till I thought
"beating" reinforces the idea of the drum-like service continuing relentlessly, to the point where it becomes almost unbearable.
And when they all were seated
After the mourners have taken their seats, there is a pause in the funeral proceedings.
Kept treading - treading - till it seemed
Repetition of "treading" emphasizes the continuous, relentless movement of the mourners, which intensifies the sense of distress.
And Mourners to and fr
The mourners, symbolizing grief and sorrow, move back and forth within the speaker's mind.
And Mourners to and fro
The mourners, symbolizing grief and sorrow, move back and forth within the speaker's mind.
I felt a Funeral, in my Brain
Begins with a metaphor where the speaker describes a funeral taking place within her own mind
And laugh – No more have I –
Concludes with the idea that once she is freed, she can laugh just as freely as the one who released her.
Himself has but to will
shifts the focus to someone who has the power to set her free.
They might as wise have lodged a Bird
Uses a simile to compare herself to a bird. Being confined in a closet is as unwise as locking up a bird
And seen my Brain – go round
Suggests that her mind is active and constantly thinking, as if it were "going round" in circles.
Still! Could themself have peeped
"still" is repeated, emphasizing the desire for silence
They put me in the Closet
imply that her unique thoughts and ideas were hidden away.
As when a little Girl
compares her experience of being confined to that of a young girl. This may suggest that the restrictions have been imposed on her since childhood.
They shut me up in Prose
Speaker metaphorically describes how society or others have restricted her, as if they have confined her expression or thoughts to the realm of prose
In thee!
Concludes with a plea to be with the desired person, emphasizing the intense longing and desire for their presence.
Rowing in Eden
Symbolizes a perfect, blissful state of being.
Done with the Compass
Suggests that there is no need for navigation or direction in this emotional stat
Futile - the winds -
Shifts her focus to the winds, describing them as futile, meaning they are powerless or unimportant in the context of her desires.
Were I with thee
Expresses a desire to be with someone,"Thee" refers to a person who holds great importance.
Wild nights - Wild nights!
Repeats the phrase "Wild nights" for emphasis, suggesting a sense of excitement and adventure.
Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly
Mazed to hear the Raven speak so clearly.
Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling
The Raven's presence manages to lift the speaker's spirits, making them smile.
Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter
The speaker opens the shutter, and there is a commotion of movement
Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
The speaker turns back into the room, feeling intense emotion.
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
The darkness remains silent and gives no indication of what lies beyond.
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating “’Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door
Tries to calm their racing heart by convincing themselves that it's merely a visitor seeking entry.
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
The source of the tapping is someone knocking lightly on the speaker's chamber door.
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Begins with a description of a dark and weary night as the speaker contemplates something.
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride, In her sepulchre there by the sea— In her tomb by the sounding sea. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Print this page Email this page More About this Poem Related
concludes with the speaker spending every night by Annabel Lee's tomb by the sea, where he feels connected to her in death as strongly as he did in life
For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
associates the moon with dreams of Annabel Lee
But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we
believes that their love was stronger than that of people who were older and wiser
To shut her up in a sepulchre In this kingdom by the sea.
Annabel Lee was placed in a tomb by the sea after her death.
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee
The wind from a cloud caused Annabel Lee to become cold and ill.
And this was the reason that, long ago
explains that their exceptional love led to a tragic event in the past.
That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee
Introduces the central character, Annabel Lee, a young maiden, and implies that the reader might be familiar with her name.
It was many and many a year ago,
Begins with a description of events that took place a long time in the past.
Is all that we see or seem But a dream within a dream?
Concludes by revisiting the idea that everything in life, even the effort to save the sand, may be no more than a dream within another dream, emphasizing the fleeting and elusive nature of reality.
O God! Can I not grasp Them with a tighter clasp?
Implores God, expressing their desperation to hold onto the sand more tightly.
How few! yet how they creep Through my fingers to the deep
Despite the small number of grains, they are slipping through the speaker's fingers and into the depths of the sea.
I stand amid the roar Of a surf-tormented shore,
Describes their current location as a tumultuous beach with crashing waves and a deafening roar.
Yet if hope has flown away In a night, or in a day, In a vision, or in none, Is it therefore the less gone?
Questions whether the loss of hope, whether it disappeared suddenly or gradually, in a dream or reality, makes it any less real.
You are not wrong, who deem
Acknowledges that the person they are addressing is correct in thinking that their life has felt like a dream.
Take this kiss upon the brow!
Begins by addressing someone, perhaps a lover, and asks them to accept a kiss on the forehead.
A succession of loud and shrill screams, bursting suddenly from the throat of the chained form, seemed to thrust me violently back.
Fortunato, who had been silent, suddenly screams loudly and shrilly, startling the narrator.
I again paused, and holding the flambeaux over the mason-work, threw a few feeble rays upon the figure within.
takes another break and shines the torch on the work and the figure within the niche.
It was not the cry of a drunken man. There was then a long and obstinate silence.
realizes that the cry he heard was not a result of drunkenness but something else. After the cry, there is a prolonged and eerie silence.
The earliest indication I had of this was a low moaning cry from the depth of the recess.
first sign that Fortunato is sobering up is a faint moan coming from the recess where he's chained.
"I have my doubts," I replied; "and I was silly enough to pay the full Amontillado price without consulting you in the matter. You were not to be found, and I was fearful of losing a bargain."
admits to having doubts about the wine's authenticity and explains that he bought it at full price without Fortunato's guidance due to his absence
I said to him --"My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking to-day. But I have received a pipe of what passes for Amontillado, and I have my doubts."
Expresses doubts about the authenticity of the Amontillado wine he has received.
In painting and gemmary, Fortunato, like his countrymen, was a quack, but in the matter of old wines he was sincere.
has a vulnerability, a weak point, even though he is generally respected and feared by others.
He had a weak point --this Fortunato --although in other regards he was a man to be respected and even feared
has a vulnerability, a weak point, even though he is generally respected and feared by others.
It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.
emphasizes that it's also ineffective if the person seeking revenge doesn't make the wrongdoer aware of their vengeance.
who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose, however, that gave utterance to a threat.
suggesting that the reader understands the narrator's feelings and motivations. He clarifies that he did not openly threaten Fortunato.
THE thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge
suffered numerous insults from someone named Fortunato. He has endured these insults but has now decided to seek revenge when Fortunato goes too far.
Ichabod’s flimsy garments fluttered in the air, as he stretched his long lank body away over his horse’s head, in the eagerness of his flight.
Flutters in the wind as he leans forward over his horse's head, desperate to escape the pursuing spectre.
Away, then, they dashed through thick and thin; stones flying and sparks flashing at every bound.
Describes a frenzied chase, with both Ichabod and the headless stranger riding rapidly through various obstacles.
There was something in the moody and dogged silence of this pertinacious companion that was mysterious and appalling
Describes the unsettling silence of the mysterious companion and the eerie atmosphere it creates.
Ichabod, who had no relish for this strange midnight companion, and bethought himself of the adventure of Brom Bones with the Galloping Hessian, now quickened his steed in hopes of leaving him behind.
Introduces Ichabod Crane, who is riding with a mysterious companion during the night. Ichabod is uncomfortable with this companion and recalls Brom Bones' encounter with the Galloping Hessian, prompting him to try to outride the stranger.
He came clattering up to the school door with an invitation to Ichabod to attend a merry-making or “quilting frolic,” to be held that evening at Mynheer Van Tassel’s; and having delivered his message with that air of importance, and effort at fine language, which a negro is apt to display on petty embassies of the kind, he dashed over the brook, and was seen scampering away up the hollow, full of the importance and hurry of his mission.
Reveals the purpose of the black man's visit, which is to invite Ichabod to a social event. It also highlights the man's exaggerated manner of delivering the message and his haste in leaving after conveying the invitation.
Apparently there had been some appalling act of justice recently inflicted, for his scholars were all busily intent upon their books, or slyly whispering behind them with one eye kept upon the master; and a kind of buzzing stillness reigned throughout the schoolroom.
Suggests that a severe punishment had been recently administered, as the students are now diligently focused on their studies or engaging in hushed conversations while keeping an eye on the teacher.
In this way matters went on for some time, without producing any material effect on the relative situations of the contending powers.
sets the stage by indicating that a certain situation has persisted without significant change or impact on the parties involved.
Certain it is, this was not the case with the redoubtable Brom Bones; and from the moment Ichabod Crane made his advances, the interests of the former evidently declined: his horse was no longer seen tied to the palings on Sunday nights, and a deadly feud gradually arose between him and the preceptor of Sleepy Hollow.
Reveals that Ichabod Crane's advances have caused a decline in Brom Bones' interests, leading to a feud between them. It sets the stage for the rivalry between the two characters.
It is a great triumph of skill to gain the former, but a still greater proof of generalship to maintain possession of the latter, for man must battle for his fortress at every door and window.
Metaphorically likens winning someone's heart to a strategic battle, highlighting the effort required to maintain a romantic relationship.
I profess not to know how women’s hearts are wooed and won.
Author confesses to not fully understanding how to win over women's hearts, finding them mysterious and fascinating.
Thus, while the busy dame bustled about the house, or plied her spinning-wheel at one end of the piazza, honest Balt would sit smoking his evening pipe at the other, watching the achievements of a little wooden warrior, who, armed with a sword in each hand, was most valiantly fighting the wind on the pinnacle of the barn.
Paints a picture of the Van Tassel household, with the wife busy with housework and the husband, Balt, relaxed on the porch, enjoying his pipe and observing a child's play.
Balt Van Tassel was an easy indulgent soul; he loved his daughter better even than his pipe, and, like a reasonable man and an excellent father, let her have her way in everything.
Characterizes Balt Van Tassel as an indulgent and loving father who prioritizes his daughter's happiness and gives her considerable freedom.
To have taken the field openly against his rival would have been madness; for he was not a man to be thwarted in his amours, any more than that stormy lover, Achilles.
Author introduces the idea that openly challenging his rival for the affections of a woman would have been unwise, comparing the situation to the mythological figure Achilles, known for his passionate nature and intensity.
This has ever since been considered a haunted stream, and fearful are the feelings of the schoolboy who has to pass it alone after dark.
Explains that the place has gained a reputation as a haunted area due to its historical significance and eerie ambiance. It highlights the fear experienced by schoolboys who must cross it alone at night.
A few rough logs, laid side by side, served for a bridge over this stream.
explains that there is a makeshift bridge made of rough logs laid parallel to each other, allowing people to cross the stream.
About two hundred yards from the tree, a small brook crossed the road, and ran into a marshy and thickly-wooded glen, known by the name of Wiley’s Swamp.
Describes the physical location, including the presence of a brook, a marshy area, and a densely wooded glen known as Wiley's Swamp. It sets the scene for the reader.
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
Anne suggests that while they are alive, they should continue to persevere in their love for each other, maintaining their strong bond.
Then while we live, in love let’s so perseverpersever Both to continue steadfastly, and in the Theological sense to remain in a state of grace. An earlier spelling of the word “persevere.”,
She suggests that while they are alive, they should continue to persevere in their love for each other, maintaining their strong bond.
Thy love is such I can no way repay;
She acknowledges that her husband's love is so extraordinary that she cannot adequately repay or match it.
f ever wife was happy in a man,
Anne asserts that she has found happiness and contentment in her husband, suggesting that her marital happiness is exceptional.
If ever two were one, then surely we.
Anne starts by expressing the profound unity and connection between herself and her husband. She suggests that their bond is so strong that they are like one person.
Till natures sad decree shall call thee hence;
Anne acknowledges that eventually, the natural course of life and death will separate them.
Within the Cancer of my glowing breast,
She envisions their love residing within her heart, likening it to the astrological sign of Cancer
O strange effect! now thou art Southward gone,
Anne finds it strange that his absence has such a profound impact on her emotions.
Return, return sweet Sol from Capricorn
Symbolized as the sun (Sol), to return from Capricorn, implying the end of his absence Anne pleads for her husband,
My chilled limbs now nummed lye forlorn;
With her husband gone, the speaker feels emotionally numb and forsaken.
How stayest thou there, whilst I at Ipswich lye?
Anne questions why her husband remains distant in Ipswich while she is elsewhere, highlighting her yearning for his presence.
My head, my heart, mine Eyes, my life, nay more
Anne begins by addressing her absent husband, listing various aspects of herself and her life that are connected to him, emphasizing their deep emotional bond.
And when thy loss shall be repaid with gains
Anne anticipates that their loved one will find happiness and gains after the initial loss.
I may seem thine, who in effect am none.
Anne hopes to remain in the memory and heart of their loved one even after death.
That when that knot’s untied that made us one,
The "knot" refers to their bond, and the speaker anticipates its untying or dissolution.
The sentence past is most irrevocable,
underscores the finality of death, once it has occurred, there is no turning back.
Adversity doth still our joyes attend;
Anne notes that adversity or hardship is a constant companion to our joys, implying that difficulties are always present.
All things within this fading world hath end,
Anne begins by reflecting on the impermanence of all things in the world, suggesting that everything eventually comes to an end.
And take thy way where yet thou art not known, If for thy Father askt, say, thou hadst none: And for thy Mother, she alas is poor,
Anne advises the creation to go where it is not recognized and, if asked about its origins, to claim that it has no father and a poor mother who sent it away due to poverty
In better dress to trim thee was my mind,
Anne wanted to dress up or improve the creation but had limited resources or material to work with.
I stretched thy joynts to make thee even feet,
Anne tried to make the creation more polished and presentable but found that it remained flawed.
Yet being mine own, at length affection would
Broadstreet acknowledges a sense of ownership and a desire to improve the creation despite its flaws.
Who after birth didst by my side remain,
Although imperfect, the creation remained close to the author after its inception.
Thou ill-form’d offspring of my feeble brain,
Broadstreet begins by addressing a creation of her own mind, describing it as poorly formed and born from her own intellectual shortcomings.
However my surprise began to diminish as my knowledge increased; and I ceased to feel those apprehensions and alarms which had taken such strong possession of me when I first came among the Europeans, and for some time after
Author sought refuge by hiding under a hencoop. Soon after, the press-gang, armed with swords, came aboard and conducted a search, forcibly extracting crew members and placing them into their boat.
As we were coming up towards the Nore, where the Roebuck lay, a man of war's boat came alongside to press our people; on which each man ran to hide himself.
A naval boat arrived to impress or forcibly recruit sailors while approaching the Nore, where the Roebuck was anchored. The sight of this caused panic among the crew members, and the author, unfamiliar with the situation, was greatly frightened.
This woman behaved to me with great kindness and attention; and taught me every thing in the same manner as she did her own child, and indeed in every respect treated me as such.
Shipmate's wife treated the author with kindness and care, teaching them as she would her own child and treating them as part of the family.
It is ludicrous enough, that I began to fear I should be betrothed to this young lady; and when my master asked me if I would stay there with her behind him, as he was going away with the ship, which had taken in the tobacco again, I cried immediately, and said I would not leave her.
The author humorously suggests that they feared they would be engaged to the young lady due to her attachment. When their master inquired if they would stay with her as he departed on the ship, the author cried and refused to leave her.
My master lodged at the house of a gentleman in Falmouth, who had a fine little daughter about six or seven years of age, and she grew prodigiously fond of me; insomuch that we used to eat together, and had servants to wait on us.
Author's master stayed in Falmouth at the house of a gentleman who had a young daughter. The girl developed a strong attachment to the author, and they would dine together with servants attending to them.
As every object was new to me every thing I saw filled me with surprise. What struck me first was that the houses were built with stories, and in every other respect different from those in Africa: but I was still more astonished on seeing people on horseback. I
The author, experiencing a completely new environment, was continually amazed by everything they observed. They noted differences such as multi-story houses and the sight of people riding horses, which they found particularly astonishing and almost magical.
At last we came in sight of the island of Barbadoes, at which the whites on board gave a great shout, and made many signs of joy to us.
The author's group finally spotted the island of Barbados, and the white people on the ship expressed joy and excitement through shouting and gestures towards the author's group.
The clouds appeared to me to be land, which disappeared as they passed along.
Begins by describing their perception of the clouds as resembling land, which would disappear as the clouds moved.
.
.
.
.
But alas! we were soon deprived of even the small comfort of weeping together. The next day proved a day of greater sorrow than I had yet experienced; for my sister and I were then separated, while we lay clasped in each other's arms.
Author laments that their meager comfort of being together was short-lived, as they were forcibly separated the next day while still holding onto each other.
We were then unbound, but were unable to take any food; and, being quite overpowered by fatigue and grief, our only relief was some sleep, which allayed our misfortune for a short time.
After reaching the small house, the captives were untied, but they were too emotionally distraught and physically exhausted to eat. They found some relief in getting some sleep, even though their misfortune persisted.
One day, when all our people were gone out to their works as usual, and only I and my dear sister were left to mind the house, two men and a woman got over our walls, and in a moment seized us both, and, without giving us time to cry out, or make resistance, they stopped our mouths, and ran off with us into the nearest wood.
The author describes a traumatic event in which they and their sister were alone at home when two men and a woman broke into their house, quickly captured them, silenced them, and abducted them into a nearby forest.
Like them also, our children were named from some event, some circumstance, or fancied foreboding at the time of their birth.
Author draws another parallel to Jewish customs, explaining that, like the Jews, their children were named based on events, circumstances, or perceived signs at the time of their birth.
We practised circumcision like the Jews, and made offerings and feasts on that occasion in the same manner as they did.
a cultural practice of circumcision is highlighted, similar to that of the Jewish tradition. It also mentions that offerings and feasts were part of this circumcision ceremony, following a similar pattern to Jewish customs.
These offerings, when made by one of the heads of a family, serve for the whole.
when the head of a family makes an offering, it is considered to cover the entire family.
It is then the greatest offerings are made; and those children whom our wise men foretel will be fortunate are then presented to different people.
The sun-crossing event is a time for significant offerings and ceremonies. Also, children who are predicted by wise individuals to have a prosperous future are presented to different people during this time.
We compute the year from the day on which the sun crosses the line, and on its setting that evening there is a general shout throughout the land; at least I can speak from my own knowledge throughout our vicinity.
Here the author describes how the year is calculated based on the sun's position, particularly when it crosses a specific line.
The habitations of the slaves and their families are distributed throughout the rest of the enclosure.
The dwellings of the slaves and their families are scattered across the remaining parts of the enclosed area.
On each side are the apartments of his wives, who have also their separate day and night houses.
The wives of the master have their own designated living spaces is revealed with separate areas for daytime and nighttime activities.
Within this are his houses to accommodate his family and slaves; which, if numerous, frequently present the appearance of a village.
In this enclosed area, there are multiple houses serving the needs of the master's family and slaves, with the possibility that the arrangement can resemble a small village when there are many occupants.
Each master of a family has a large square piece of ground, surrounded with a moat or fence, or enclosed with a wall made of red earth tempered; which, when dry, is as hard as brick.
The layout of each family's dwelling is described consisting of a spacious plot of land enclosed by a moat, fence, or a wall constructed from compacted red earth, which hardens to a brick-like consistency when dry.
May fiery coursers sweep th' ethereal plain,
Imagining fiery steeds carrying them across the heavenly plains
Thus from the splendors of the morning light
This compares the initial hope and promise to the brilliance of the morning.
Sick at the view, she languish'd and expir'd;
People became disillusioned and disheartened upon seeing her, and her influence began to wane.
Fair Freedom rose New-England to adorn:
Freedom is personified as a beautiful entity that has come to New England to enhance its character.
Hail, happy day, when, smiling like the morn,
Wheatley begins by celebrating a joyful day, symbolized by the morning, suggesting a positive change or event.
No more to tell of Damon’s tender sighs,
Suggests that in this heavenly realm, they won't need to speak of earthly concerns like Damon's lovesick sighs.
High to the blissful wonders of the skies
Author urges the youth to aim for the heavenly and wondrous aspects of life.
And may the charms of each seraphic theme
Wheatley wishes that the enchanting and divine themes of art and poetry will captivate the youth.
Still may the painter’s and the poet’s fire
Whitley hopes that the passion and inspiration of both painters and poets will continue to inspire the youth.
TO show the lab’ring bosom’s deep intent,
Wheatley begins by expressing the intention to reveal the deep emotions and thoughts within a person's heart.
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.
Wheatley believes that people of African descent have the potential to be spiritually purified and become part of the heavenly ("angelic") community or salvation
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain
Wheatley reminds Christians that individuals of African descent who may have skin as dark as Cain's are not inherently evil or less worthy of salvation.
"Their colour is a diabolic die."
This quote refers to a prejudiced viewpoint, suggesting that some people of dark skin color with evil or devilish qualities.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
Refers to how some look down upon or view negatively individuals of African descent ("sable race") due to our skin color.
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Wheatley admits that they didn't actively seek or understand the concept of redemption before their encounter with Christianity.
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
The author come to realize the existence of both God and a Savior through their exposure to Christianity.
Taught my benighted soul to understand
Learned and gained understanding after being in a state of ignorance or spiritual darkness
'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Author attribute their journey to mercy. Acknowledges that they were brought from a place where they didn't know about God's mercy.