sy 
 
('lass. 
 
 )()()K 
 
 THE BEQUEST OF 
 
 DANIEL MURRAY 
 
 WASHINGTON. D. C. 
 
 1«»25 
 
/l ActJ^^^/M^^ 
 
 
 U-* 
 
 
 ^'Mmmvi' 
 
 I>7 
 
 (i^ciiicateii to mp Jfllotfjer.) 
 
 by- 
 
 \ 
 
 I 
 
 William H. Jenkins. 
 
PAGE 2 
 
 Preface. 
 
 In the publication of this my first book of poems, I'm in- 
 deed greatful to my poetic brother Mr. Stanford E. Davis, 
 whose kind words of encouragement meant much to me, 
 inspiring me with determination. 
 
 And to Mr. John P. Henson of Chestertown, I owe much 
 credit for the amount of interest that he has taken in me, 
 furnishing me reading matter, aiding me in getting my work 
 criticised, and giving me my first public introduction. 
 
 Also to our beloved pastor Rev. J. R. Holland, and wife, 
 I am greatful. Mrs. Holland's motherly kindness with the 
 strong advice of my mother and father has helped me 
 greatly. 
 
 Then to Mr. Jacob P. Nicholson my critic, personal friend 
 of Mr. Dunbar, I owe deep gratitude. 
 
 And to Prof. J. Paul Brock of the Colored High and Train- 
 ing School who criticised the poem "Chestertown", and 
 several others, I owe much. 
 
 Then the Editors of the Transcript gave me the first in- 
 troduction through their paper. 
 
 These people's attention has been invaluable. And in 
 a subsequent edition, I shall give them due credit in verse. 
 
 May the teachings that are inculcated in this pamplet, 
 bind author and reader one in soul while you peruse. 
 
 The beniie>»i of 
 
 Daniel Murray, 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 1« 
 
>' CAGE 3 
 
 h C n t e n t «• 
 
 5. Chestertown. 
 
 22. Couldn't 'ford it. 
 
 34. De cullored weddin' 
 
 12. Daddy's knee. 
 
 15. Elegy to Paul Lawrence Dunbar. 
 
 25. God's Gwine ter 'veal if. 
 11. Is dere chick'n ober dere? 
 
 19. In the morning. 
 
 16. I am drifting. 
 
 30. 'Ligion. 
 
 20. Poverty. 
 
 9. Parson Johnsing's Lecture ter de wimmen. 
 
 31. 'Possum. 
 18. Spring. 
 
 24. Short cake an' 'lasses. 
 
 1 3. The end of time. 
 
 17. The spring of life. 
 
 32. The Deacon's dream. 
 27. The Widow's fright. 
 
 14. Why de devil was er man. 
 
 21. When you are dcv/n and out. 
 
 26. When de Angel calls de roll. 
 
 35. When de coal bin is low. 
 
 23. When de coffee pot am bilin'. 
 
 

 
 PAGE 4 
 
 Princess Anne Academy Press 
 Princess Anne. Md. 
 
PAGE 5 
 
 C[II|egitertn6m. 
 
 In a magic little city, in a little town of fame, 
 
 Where the father of our country slopt one night to rest his 
 
 frame, 
 Where 'mid scenes of brilliant splendor and enchanting 
 
 beauty rare, 
 Where youth and beauty flourish by the air and water 
 
 there, 
 So stands our native village, such a land to mortals' eyes, 
 Like the glories of Sweet Eden in the land of Paradise, 
 With a welcome to all callers, who may chance to stop that 
 
 way 
 And to greet a grateful people, who are always blithe and 
 
 gay. 
 
 And by the law's majestic power, and by the peoples' might 
 You'll find a mighty welcome there, in daytime oj; at night; 
 They'll give you with a stately grace a friendly clasp of 
 
 hand 
 And reverence you like people, from the far immortal land. 
 Its inhabitants are genial, such a pretty place impels 
 The great love of all the merchants, bankers, merry working 
 
 girls and belles; 
 The Ebon population are the race which lend their aid 
 To beautify the village, when she's in her robes arrayed. 
 
PAG I:; 6 
 
 C!Ii|eatertc&m- 
 
 The church spires and minarets, the music, flowers and 
 streams, 
 
 They form a holy vision like the City of Our Dreams. 
 
 And in this peaceful village, which is fraught with grace 
 and love, i 
 
 Methinks the saints departed, who are safe in heav'n 
 above 
 
 Look happily upon us, as they view the the people 
 'round. 
 
 And bless the happy, peaceful, quiet, prosperous Chester- 
 town. 
 
 its future stood inspiring as it grew from day to day 
 
 Yet hastened to oblivion, with its people proud and gay. 
 
 For hush! what means that clanging that is braying on the 
 
 air. 
 That constant clinging, clanging, which has startled all to 
 
 fear, 
 The people rushing wildly and the firemen earring hose, 
 That bright and glaring light, which illumed the night's 
 
 repose; 
 That clanging is the fire bell, which is placed on Fireman's 
 
 Hall, 
 Its echo falls upon us, like a ghastly funeral pall. 
 But waiti again 't is sounded and the town is now alarmed. 
 The bells ring out their warning and the folks cannot be 
 
 calmed. 
 
PAGE 7 
 
 d|CBlerto&in. 
 
 To the mighty fire bells' peelings, the procession moves 
 
 along. 
 Men and women, boys and girls follow in the countless | , 
 
 throng. 
 Old Chestertown is burning; such a ghastly scene to see 
 Old Vulcan in his glory, o'er a land so brave and free. 
 And in the business section, He is raging in his power, 
 The people's hearts are burning like the buildings in that 
 
 hour. 
 The brave and sturdy firemen, like the fearless Paul Revere, 
 Support their chief whose fair face leonine never knows 
 
 fear. 
 
 They flight the stubborn blaze, which blights dear old 
 
 Chestertown, / 
 
 And people gather eagerly, from many miles around, 
 And Robins' Circus, it is there to lend a helping hand. 
 The rich and poor, the high and low, the humblest in the 
 
 land; 
 Yet fiercely rise the raging flames. Shoot upward to the sky, 
 While hearts grow faint and sorrowful, with tears in every 
 
 eye. 
 And building after building falls, as Vulcan roares in air, 
 And people view their happy homes committed to the fire. 
 
 z:j 
 
i 
 
 PAGE 8 
 
 <l!lt]estprto&}n. 
 
 But wait! the flames are waning as the people all declare, 
 It is because the saints at home are offering up a prayer. 
 The dove of peace a covenant bears as it flies on in glee, 
 It flies in front of Bradley's and lights upon a tree. 
 The fire is now abated and, the raging flames are o'er. 
 And Let us hope that it will happen to us never more, 
 Fine buildings are erected now, and form a pretty sight, 
 A tribute to their owners, 'mid the brilliant 'lectric light. 
 
 The streets are now macademized, the walks m cement laid, 
 A blessing to the heroes who, so thwarted vulcan's raid. 
 What will we give these heroes, who so fought the evil one? 
 How fittingly reward them, for the work that they have 
 
 done? 
 Gold medals should be given to the mighty warriors brave. 
 And when they die a monument be planted at their grave. 
 The sweetest music ringing in this little town of fame 
 Where, the father of our country stopt one night to rest his 
 
 frame. 
 Where, the pretty Washington College, that illustrious hall 
 
 of fame. 
 Stands erected as a credit, and an honor to his name. 
 
PAGE 9 
 
 faisou lolinsmg 3 ^lecture ter ^t ^immcit. 
 
 When you see yo' friendly nabor 
 Cum er knockin' at yo' doo,' 
 You may be hard down at labor, 
 Clo'es all scattered on de flo'; 
 But you welcome 'er most kindly, 
 Ring yo' hands out ob de suds; 
 An' you gossip wid her blindly, 
 While attired m dirty duds. 
 
 But you let ole Lizzy Plummer, 
 Cum er bumpin' at yo' doo', 
 Who you fell out wid las' summer. 
 Swore you would' nt speak no mo', 
 I kin see you gettin' busy, 
 Takin' off dem dirty clo'es, 
 Fer you know ole talkin' Lizzy, 
 Sho will tell all dat she kno's. 
 
 An' you wouldn't hab 'er see you, 
 Dressed up in dem dirty togs; 
 Lookin' laik you fed de cattle, 
 Milk'd de cows an' fed de hogs; 
 Wimmen dat's er funny feature, 
 Any thing will do fer friends; 
 But ef hits er talkin' creature. 
 How you try ter mek ermends. 
 
PAGE 10 
 
 parson ^o'lixstii^'a "^ccturc icv be ^iimmcjii. 
 
 I kin hear you mekin' 'scuses, 
 Blamin' ebery one you kin! 
 Cou'se de chillen git de 'buses; 
 But yo' href wont hide de gin! 
 How you count fer dat my sistah? 
 Poh St. Paul 't is wpll you's dead, 
 Dat's de only verse in Scripture, 
 Dat de prophet aughten said. 
 
PAGE U 
 
 ^s htvt tl]tcWn ohtv htxt? 
 
 Preachers tell erbout de beauty 
 
 Ob de glory Ian' so fair, 
 
 Ob de milk an' prashus honey, 
 
 I shall hab when I get dere, 
 
 Now dese things are good dat's sartin, 
 
 Fer de Angels in de air; 
 
 But'e neber tells me plainly, 
 
 Ef dere's chick'n ober dere. 
 
 I shall see de blessed Angels, 
 Ez dey mount de golden stair, 
 An' hit matters not my station, 
 Ef dey put me in de rear, 
 So my crown is made ob dimons, 
 An' my garments bright an' clear, 
 I shall not complain er moment, 
 Ef dere's chick'n ober dere. 
 
 All de saints dats gone befo' me 
 
 Stanz er watin' ober dere, 
 
 Wid dey robes an' jewels shinin' 
 
 Mid de glory ob de air; 
 
 I shall know dem when I see dem, 
 
 Ef dey do act sorter queer; 
 
 But I'd laik ter know dis minnit, 
 
 Ef dere's chick'n ober dere. 
 
r: 
 
 PAGE 12 
 
 C -s 
 
 Come daddy, come play horse with me. 
 A hip te hip and hee, hee, hee; 
 And sing the songs from o'er the sea. 
 What jolly fun on daddy's knee? 
 
 With heart so hj>ht and full of glee, 
 My daddy, grand old man was he. 
 Would say, "come son, came here to me. 
 And take a ride on daddy's knee.'' 
 
 I Saw no fears, no cares to mind, 
 A A brighter soul you seldom find; 
 
 *^ And by the fire side so bright 
 
 We sat, amid the glowing light. 
 
 While daddy jumped me up and down. 
 And laughed as if a treasure found; 
 For in me hopes he pictured mild, 
 And asked God's blessings on his child. 
 
 But now he's gone, the golden shore 
 He stands, where parting is no m.ore; 
 And I am old, what's life to me 
 Since I can't ride on daddy's knee. 
 
 U: 
 
PAGE 13 
 
 ®JtTt titb vi tmte. 
 
 When lowing herd, and singing bird, 
 Conclude their songs of praise; 
 When humming bees, and flowers and trees, 
 Their notes in triumph raise. 
 
 When woodland rilis, and brooks and hills, 
 Confess dieir love in rhyme; 
 And oceans wide, and foaming tide, 
 Then shall the end of time. 
 
 For god will come, we will go from 
 The mortal to immortal. 
 The dead in hell— while righteous dwell 
 Where angels guard their portal. 
 
rzzz 
 
 PAGE 14 
 
 ^ ht ^tSx<X ians tv ^nn^ 
 
 \J 
 
 Dar's one thing 'bout de Scripture dat is hard ter under- 
 
 stan', 
 An* dat is dis mah brudders, why de devil was er man? 
 Ef he had bin er woman, when fum Paradise he fell, 
 Den all de men would followed her an' landed plump in 
 
 — well. 
 
 Jes ter keep all ob de sheep fum jumpin' out de pan, 
 De devil was er man becaze de men wont follor men; 
 An' dat is why de wimmin are de Angels in de air 
 Fer where dere is er woman dar's er man erround 
 where. 
 
 1 
 
PAGE 15 
 
 ^k£5^ t0 ^axtl 'flnixxi'tixtt ^itnbijr. 
 
 Thou mortal Dunbar! thy work is done, 
 
 Thy battle fought, thy victory won; 
 And 'fore thy maker did'st appear 
 To hand your wreaths of honor there. 
 
 Would I had been near thy chariot in that hour, 
 And received thy cloak and mantle of pov/er, 
 Would God had spared such a brilliant life, 
 To guide his sons in a Vv'orld of strife. 
 
 ^ 
 
 The beautiful words from thy soul and pen 
 Have delighted the world from mountain to fen. C\ 
 
 You were God's under study, you delighted the world. " 
 
 But alas! you have conquered, now rest from your toil. 
 
 Sleep in the folds of God's ovv^n kingdom; 
 Sleep through the rolling years; 
 
 For thou hath earned rest for the work thou hath done, 
 Ncvv' sleep without fault or fears. 
 Good night. 
 
 
PAGE 16 
 
 (3 nm hrtftmg. 
 
 
 To that happy golden shore, 
 
 I am drifting; 
 Where there's parting never more, 
 
 I am drifting; 
 Drifting on the sullen tide, 
 There to be by Jesus' side, 
 God my leader and my guide, 
 
 I am drifting. 
 
 From a land of pain and woe, 
 
 I am drifting. 
 From the ways of friend and foe, 
 
 I am drifting; 
 Lord, I've tried to do my best, 
 Met the foe, and stood the test, 
 Now, receive me with the blest, 
 
 I am drifting. 
 
 / 
 
 
PAGE 17 
 
 rg ^jjrmg oi |[Itfc. 
 
 The spring of life, the time to sow 
 The vernal flowers, that will grow 
 To comfort you in winters' blast, 
 Until the raging storms are past. 
 
 The spring of life, the time to plant, 
 Tho hard the ground, don't say you can't, 
 But grovel deep beneath the sod, 
 To plant your seed, it wont be hard. 
 
 The winter time, the time to reap 
 Your treasure, while the Angels keep 
 A record of your toil and strife. 
 And bless you for your spring of life. 
 
PAGE 18 
 
 ^prtxtig. 
 
 When the wintry storms have past, 
 
 In the spring, 
 And relief has come at last. 
 !n the spring, 
 When the woods begin to ring 
 From the notes of birds that sing, 
 And the buzz of bees that sting, 
 It is spring 
 
 When the flowers begin to grow. 
 
 It is spring; 
 Coming from their haunts below, 
 
 It is spring. 
 Sweetest fragrance fills the air. 
 Comforting a world of care 
 Here, and there and every where, 
 
 In the spring. 
 
 When our earthly cares are o'er, 
 
 In the spring. 
 Lay we down to dream no more, 
 
 In the spring, 
 Storms will have for us no fear. 
 For in Heaven's garden fair. 
 We shall live to bloom in there 
 In the spring, blessed spring. 
 
PAGE 19 
 
 ^n Up moxnln^. 
 
 Jesus Master will I rise 
 
 With my God in Parad'se, ! 
 
 Up above the vaulted skies 
 In the morning? 
 
 ■ 
 
 When my throbbing heart doth cease, i | 
 
 Will I know sv/eet joy and peace V 
 
 And of sorrow find surcease { j 
 
 In the morning? A 
 
 Are the pearly gates ajar, 
 Shining like a beacon star, 
 Bidding pilgrims from afar 
 In the morning? 
 
 Lord I'm coming home to thee. 
 Keep the gates ajar for rne 
 And in glory I shall be 
 In the morning. 
 
 h 
 
PAGE 20 
 
 Po^tcrt^, 
 
 O ! poverty in capsule form, 
 How bitter art thy fruits? 
 If thou would'st call for volunteers. 
 Thou would'st get no recruitis. 
 
 I 
 Thy warfare is a raging flame, 
 Thy arms art fraught with woe, 
 Thy battle ground the world around, 
 Why can'st thou forego? 
 
 The rich in brilliant splendor gay, 
 Fear not thy flooded tide, 
 Thou rusheth in at the poor man's door, 
 And seem content to bide. 
 
 I know that death and thee art kin, 
 That ye go hand in hand; 
 But thou art bias in thy realm. 
 While death sweeps all the land. 
 
 Pray, stay thy hand, thou tyrant king. 
 If it be in thy power. 
 And let us mortals rest in p eace. 
 And bless a happy hour. 
 
 O I hide thy face and blush in shame, 
 For all thy deeds of wrath. 
 And we will seek a greater God, 
 And walk a brighter path. 
 
 
PAGE 21 
 
 en gnu nvt bofoit nnh tmt 
 
 Where is the one that calk you pal, 
 When you are down and out? 
 He meets you with a grunt and scrowl, 
 When you are down and out. 
 
 Where is the one you call your friend. 
 Now you are down and out? 
 They say go way, I've naught to lend, 
 When you are down and out. 
 
 Where are those smiles you fain would greet. 
 
 Now you are down and out? 
 
 I guess you know 'twas all deceit, 
 
 Now you are down and out. 
 
 Where are those lovely words of cheer, 
 Now you are down and out? 
 You'll search for them in vain I fear, 
 When you are down and out. 
 
 You gave a meal, you gave a drink, 
 Now, you are down and out. 
 Will they return it? I dont think, 
 Now you are down and out. 
 
PAGE 22 
 
 (Evnihut 'forh It 
 
 Once there was a stingy man, 
 Who said, "he couldn't 'ford it";. 
 He wouldn't buy himself a pan. 
 He said, "he couldn't 'ford it,'' 
 He wouldn't buy (enough to eat, 
 I guess he wouldn't wash his feet; 
 I know his tea v/as never sweet, 
 He said, " he couldn't 'ford it. 
 
 He never took a day of rest, 
 He said, "he couldn't 'ford it," 
 He never wore a Sunday vest. 
 He said, "he couldn't 'ford it," 
 He never gave the poor a cent. 
 And to the church he never went. 
 And from his sins did ne'er repent, 
 He said, "he couldn't 'ford it. 
 
 He never went to Sunday School, 
 He said, " he cculdn't 'ford it;" 
 He never liked the Golden Rule, 
 He said, "he couldn't 'ford it;'' 
 And when at last he came to die, 
 'Tis said he only closed one eye; 
 And for him not a soul did cry; 
 I guess they couldn't 'ford it. . 
 
PAGE 23 
 
 tn he taiUt pot nm hHin\ 
 
 When de coffee pot am bilin' 
 An' de supper bell am rung, 
 How de music causes smilin' 
 In de hearts ob ole an' young; 
 When dey put hit on de table 
 An' dey pour you out er cup, 
 I kin see you hunchin' Mabel 
 As yer try ter mek it up. 
 
 When de coffee pot am bilin' 
 Does it tech er tender spot? 
 I kin see yo' faces smilin' 
 Ober things you once forgot, 
 When de supper time is ober 
 An' de place fer brekfus sot 
 I'm dreamin' in my clober 
 Ob de bilin' coffee pot. 
 
PAGE 24 
 
 p 
 
 ^l}cvt tiikt nn *hsBts. 
 
 Some people laik dis thing an' some laik de oder, 
 An' turn up dey nose when de swell people passes; 
 But um not er crank, I kin tell you my brudder, 
 Ef only I kin git my short cake an' lasses. 
 
 I 
 
 I kare not v/hat pleazures dis world may deni me, 
 I don 't want ter cum in contact wid de masses; 
 But say ter o!e Satin O! git de behine me; 
 An' cum unto me C! you short cake an' 'lasses. 
 
 I se libed sixty yeahs in dis little ole cabin; 
 An' yeared all dem guns dat was shot at Manasses; 
 But den all ob dis didn't stop me fum habin', 
 My little short cake wid er plenty ob 'lasses. 
 
 De oder swe]l folks may hab tuckey an' chick'n; 
 An' drink ob de v/ine as hit cums fum de glasses; 
 But ef I'm well you will not heah me kickin' 
 Ef only 1 kin git my short cake an' 'lasses. 
 
 Some folks laik de m.usic an' say dey are "stickin' " 
 Ef playin' an' singin' wid altoes an' basses; 
 But taint laik de chune I kin play when um pickin', 
 My little short cake wid er plenty ob 'lasses. 
 
PAGE 25 
 
 ^^oh's ^6jtue ter '6eal tL 
 
 Did you eber stop an' stitdy, 
 'Bout de time when you must die? 
 Ebery little nook an ' cudy, 
 Will be open by an by. 
 What erbout dat lie you told, 
 An' yo' brudder's wife you stole, 
 You better quit an' jine de fole, 
 God's gwine ter 'veal it by an' by. 
 
 You folks neber stop ter 'sider, 
 'Bout de time you's gwine ter die; 
 Be er soldier, not er quitter, 
 By an' by you's gwine ter die. 
 You rob de chu'ch, an' rob yo' kin; 
 An' taint while ter talk 'bout dat ah gin- 
 Better clean yo' souls ob sin, 
 God's gwine ter Veal it by an' by. 
 
 :j 
 
PAGE 26 
 
 ^l|m Itt ^n^A calls ht ^oIL 
 
 Oh! I want ter be in glory, 
 When de Angel calls de roll; 
 An' ter hear dat gran' ole story, 
 When de Angel calls de roll. 
 Dere I will set d(pwn wid Moses 
 Wid er table trimmed wif posies. 
 An' ter hab er bed ob roses 
 When de Angel calls de roll. 
 
 Dis ole world will not be in it 
 When de Angel calls de roll; 
 Fer de Lawd is gwine ter thin it 
 When de angel calls de roll. 
 Now yer better stop yo' sinnin', 
 Caze de devil sho is winnin', 
 An' he'll hold you dar er grinnin', 
 When de Angel calls de roll. 
 
PAGE 27 
 
 mii2 ^xhobj'^ ^^^^b¥' 
 
 Listen! all you gents and ladies, 
 While I tell this little tale. 
 It was told one Monday evening, 
 By a fellow carrying mail. 
 
 Some's incline to think it funny. 
 But I think it's very sad. 
 For if you had been in her place. 
 You'd not stop at getting mad. 
 
 You know boys are very funny. 
 All ways up to little pranks. 
 But there has to be a leader, 
 One to marshall in their ranks. 
 
 Jimmy Brown proposed one evening, 
 To his comrades on the street. 
 For that is their only lodge room, 
 And the only place they meet. 
 
 "Come here boys, I want to tell you 
 How to have a little fun. 
 Tie this crow on Widow's door knob, 
 Give a great big knock and run." 
 
 This old widow that they spoke of 
 Lived alone, and had a hate 
 Of the rascals, as she called them. 
 All ways swinging on her gate. 
 
 Where they got that crow, don't ask me, 
 Always kept such things in stock. 
 All they v/ant to find a victim. 
 And he'll get an awful shock. 
 
PAGE 28 
 
 ®l]e ^ibofo's JfrtglfL 
 
 "That's the thing," the boys all shouted, 
 Oif they started down the street 
 With their merry shrieks of laughter. 
 And the patter of their feet. 
 
 Jimmy Brown,i their valiant leader, 
 Was the one to do the trick; 
 As they said he was most nervy. 
 Was more nimble and more quick. 
 
 Wlien besides her house they gathered. 
 Every thing was quiet inside, 
 Then v/hen every thing was ready, 
 Ail the others ran to hide. 
 
 jimmy gave a knock and followed, 
 Hid himself behind a tree. 
 When they witness 'd all that happen'd, 
 Every heart was full of glee. 
 
 Jimmy's knock had stirred the Widow, 
 She was sitting quietly, 
 All her thoughts were on Deacon Sanders; 
 In her heart she thought 'twas he. 
 
 Up she jumped and grabbed the door knob, 
 Gave the door a sudden pull. 
 Inside swung his haughty crow ship. 
 Struck her in the face quite full. 
 
 Lawd she hollowed, and she started 
 Running through the kitchen door. 
 Every thing that got in her way, 
 Was all scattered on the floor. 
 
 
 I 
 
p\r;F 2^) 
 
 tUlfC pItbo&j'B ^riglit. 
 
 ''Help!" she shouted while still running 
 Cross the yard and down the road. 
 People followed her in anguish. 
 Hens they cackled, roosters crowed. 
 
 And the men they tried to catch her, 
 She just hollowed all the more, 
 "What's the matter"? people shouted. 
 As they peered from door to door. 
 
 And she ran until exhausted, 
 Suddenly tripped her foot and fell. 
 "Lord! he's got me" she then shouted. 
 "Send that devil back to h — 1". 
 
 People gathered all around her, 
 Just to hear what she would say. 
 All they could get out of Widow 
 Was, "please send that devil way." 
 
 "Take her back home, " some one ventured, 
 "Take her to her fire side." 
 When they found the cause of trouble, 
 People laughed until they cried. 
 
 Widow Jones was full of laughter, 
 Tho at first was very mad. 
 Don't you folks who know this story, 
 Think that it was very sad? 
 
 Don't you laugh at Widow's story; 
 For there ought to be a law 
 'Gainst the rascals, in their glory, 
 Tying crows on people's door. 
 
 n 
 
PAGE 30 
 
 y 
 
 •lOigt 
 
 ion. 
 
 0\ I want de kind ob 'ligion, 
 Dat de prophets wrote eibout, 
 Dat good ole dyin' 'ligion, 
 Dat will mek yo' want ter shout," 
 Hit meks ^^ou love yo' nabor; 
 An' hit meks you love de Lawd; 
 Den you neber min' de labor. 
 But you strive fer de reward. 
 
 I dont want back bitin' 'ligion, 
 Hit wont save you in de en': 
 I dont want de lyin' 'ligion, 
 Hit will mek you 'ny yo' fren', 
 I dont want dat talkin' 'ligion; 
 Dats de trouble, too much talk; 
 },^ But de good ole dyin' 'ligion, 
 
 Dat de good folks live an' walk. 
 
PAGE 31 
 
 'f 
 
 osiinm. 
 
 You may talk erbout yo' tuckey, 
 Ob de chick'n an' de lam', 
 Ob de chithn's an' de sawsage, 
 Ob de bac'n an' de ham. 
 
 But, in all dis world ob truble. 
 Ez we hasten ter de en', 
 Dere is nuthin' laik de possum 
 Dat delights de souls ob men. 
 
 Fix 'im up wif plenty gravy, 
 Put some tatters on deside; 
 An' ter eat hit is er pleazure, 
 Dat will eber wid you 'bide. 
 
 See 'im cumin' fum de oben, 
 Pipin' hot wid gravy brown; 
 'T is er blessin' fum de Master, 
 An' I feels hit cumin' down. 
 
 Chrismus night we had er party. 
 Had de swell folks ob de town. 
 An' de way dey stuff dat possum, 
 You should seen dem gulp hit down. 
 
 Liza Jane eat so much possum, 
 Dat she nearly bust 'er side; 
 An' ole Dinah stuff de stuffin; 
 Till 'fo' day, she laik ter died. 
 
 Now I'm gittin' ole an' feeble, 
 Per I did'nt cum ter stay. 
 May my las' meal be possum, 
 Jist er fore I pass erway. 
 
 ^ 
 
PAGE 32 
 
 ®l|c ^^acott*s ^venm^ 
 
 Brudders! Sistahs! listen quietly, 
 An' you heah ob deacon's plight; 
 You'll be sorry when you know, what 
 Happen'd to 'im Sunday night. 
 
 Deacon Brown was quietly sittin' 
 In de amen corner dere, 
 An' de preacher was er preachin' 
 \ Ob de glory Ian' so fair. 
 
 An' de brudders was er moanin' 
 Fer de Lawd I know was dere; 
 An' de sistahs was er prayin' 
 Dat de sinners all mought heah. 
 
 All de house was in de spirit, 
 Had ole Satin on de run. 
 An' de preacher was er tellin' 
 Gawd, ter kill de ebil one. 
 
 Deacon Brown went off in slumber, 
 Hadn't had er thing ter say, 
 Soon de preacher close' his sermon 
 Call on Deacon Brown ter pray. 
 
PAGE 33 
 
 ®ijc ^eatott'a ^reant- 
 
 Bmdder Johnsing nudged de deacon. 
 "Deacon! Deacon! lead in prayer", 
 Deacon Brown he stirred er little, 
 Said, "now Johnsing don't git queer." 
 
 "Deacon Brown", den roared de parson, , 
 
 On yo' knees an' talk wid Gawd, ] 
 
 Ef you don't I'll tell de master / 
 
 An' he gib you no reward. 
 
 Well dis kinder skeered de deacon. 
 No one know'd jist how 'e felt 
 Till 'e yawn'd, an' gap'd, an' shouted 
 "Deal yo' se'f, fer I jist dealt." 
 
 "Playin' cards aye? cried de parson, 
 "Deacon Brown I do declare! 
 Members all you jine in union, 
 Haf an hour in silent prayer." 
 
 Deacon Brown got up an' snorted; 
 "Swore he neber see'd er card." 
 Be ye kareful Brudders, Sistahs, 
 When you sleep be on yo' guard. 
 
PAGE 34 
 
 ^t Cttlbreh '^thhm\ 
 
 De weddin' bells were ringin' in de chapel down de lane, 
 Dar's gwine ter be er weddin' dere twixt Jim an' Liza JaneJ 
 An' I was not invited but I thought I would drap in, 
 Ter see de Mr. preacher man commit ernoder sin. 
 
 So I jist sided in dere an' I sit down by de doo'; 
 
 I wondered why de folks dere was all standin' on de flo' 
 
 So arter while I found out what de truble was erbout; 
 
 But I couldn't heah er blessed thing until de sheriff cum out. 
 
 Hit happen'd dat de preacher, thought he ought ter kiss de 
 
 bride; 
 So Jim got mad an' slided right up dar by Liza's side; 
 An' pulled er ten inch razor fum his inside pocket out 
 An' sezs, "one drap ob honey, an' I'll carve yo' liver out." 
 
PAGE 35 
 
 Pfljcn ht tonl bin ts laitt. 
 
 What er world ob pity, 
 
 When de coal bin is low, 
 
 When de air is chilly. 
 
 An' hit's gwine ter snow; 
 
 I kin see you shiver, 
 
 Fer yo' heart begins to quiver. 
 
 When you think erbout yo' kiver. 
 
 An' de coal bin is low. 
 
 What er time ob sorrow, 
 When de coal bin is low; 
 An' no joys you kin borrow, 
 When de coal bin is low, 
 Dar's no one dat wants ter lend you; 
 An' ter heaben day would send you, 
 Fer dare's no time ter defen' ycu. 
 When de coal bin is low. 
 
 What er cup ob sadness, 
 When de coal bin is low, 
 Dar's no time den fo' gladness, 
 When de coal bin is low; 
 But we are just laik de buzzit. 
 Fo' de Lawd knows dat he does it. 
 When de spring cums 'e sezs, "was it. 
 An' de coal bin is low. 
 
f