No Abolition of Slavery Or the Universal Empire of Love, A poem

"No Abolition of Slavery; or the Universal Empire of Love" by James Boswell is a poem from the 1700s that tackles the heated topic of slavery, especially why it shouldn't be ended in Britain. It dives into the politics of that time, revealing the author's view that slavery helps the people involved, particularly in the West Indies. The poem uses humor and the author's own opinions to criticize people who wanted to abolish slavery and support the rights of enslaved people. It compares what enslaved Africans go through to the hard lives of poor people in Britain, suggesting that both groups suffer in their own ways. Through strong images and descriptions of different people, the poem ultimately argues for slavery to continue, emphasizing how love and desire play into social classes and power. The poem takes a controversial look at a very divisive subject.