To the King's most Excellent Majesty. 1768
This poem is a tribute to the British monarch, praising his power and benevolence. It was written by an enslaved African woman who had been brought to America as a child. The poem reflects her complex identity as both a subject of the British Empire and a victim of its slave trade.
By Phillis Wheatley · First published 1773 · Genre: Poetry, Political Literature, Elegy · 152 words
First lines
Your subjects hope, dread Sire --
The crown upon your brows may flourish long, / And that your arm may in your God be strong!
O may your sceptre num'rous nations sway, / And all with love and readiness obey!
But how shall we the British king reward!
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Political Literature — It addresses the king directly, reflecting on themes of governance and loyalty.
- Elegy — It expresses reverence and hope for the king's reign, embodying a tone of solemnity.
- Patriotic Literature — The text conveys a sense of national pride and loyalty to the monarchy.
Tags
Poetry Collection · African American Literature · 18th Century Poetry · Epistolary Form · Patriotic Verse · Royal Address · Slavery and Freedom · Colonial Era · American History · Literary Satire · Social Commentary · Rhetorical Device
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To the King's most Excellent Majesty. 1768 is listed on Textopian as a poem by Phillis Wheatley, dated 1773 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Phillis Wheatley
- Date: 1773 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Political Literature, Elegy, Patriotic Literature, Religious Literature
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for To the King's most Excellent Majesty. 1768 by Phillis Wheatley
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More by Phillis Wheatley
- To Maecenas (1733)
- On Virtue (1773)
- To the University of Cambridge, in New-England (1737)
- On being Brought from Africa to America (1773)
- On the Death of the Rev. Dr. Sewell. 1769 (1773)
- On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield. 1770 (1770)
- On the Death of a Young Lady of Five Years of Age (1773)
- On the Death of a Young Gentleman (1773)
- All works by Phillis Wheatley