A crowd of shivering slaves of every nation
   And age and sex were in the market ranged,
   Each busy with the merchant in his station.
   Poor creatures, their good looks were sadly changed.

All save the blacks seem’d jaded with vexation,
   From friends, and home, and freedom far estranged.
   The negroes more philosophy displayed,
   Used to it no doubt, as eels are to be flayed.

Like a backgammon board, the place was dotted
   With whites and blacks in groups, on show for sale,
   Though rather more irregularly spotted;
   Some bought the jet, while others chose the pale.

No lady e’er is ogled by a lover,
   Horse by a black-leg, broadcloth by a tailor,
   Fee by a counsel, felon by a jailer,

As is a slave by his intended bidder.
   ’Tis pleasant purchasing our fellow-creatures,
   And all are to be sold, if you consider
   Their passions, and are dext’rous, some by features
   Are bought up, others by a warlike leader;
   Some by a place, as tend their years or natures;
   The most by ready cash, but all have prices,
   From crowns to kicks, according to their vices.