I was as I thought asleep, but I got out of bed and pencilled the ballad (or most of it, for I added and amended afterwards) straight off, and went to bed again, of course to sleep profoundly; when I got up next morning and found the MS.

on my table, it seemed like a dream, but it wasn't.

Those who are curious may look out this piece of "_quasi_ inspiration" in that poem-book aforesaid.

But here is the opening verse for those who cannot get the volume in bulk:-- "Ye thirty noble Nations Confederate in one, That keep your starry stations Around the Western sun,-- I have a glorious mission, And must obey the call, A claim!--and a petition! To set before you all." The claim being love for Mother Britain; the petition for freedom to the slave.

It was published in 1851.
A third is chiefly noticeable for this.