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<h1>NEGRO FOLK RHYMES</h1>
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ATLANTA &middot; SAN FRANCISCO</p>

<p class="pubsinfo">MACMILLAN &amp; CO., <span class="smcap">Limited</span></p>

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MELBOURNE</p>

<p class="pubsinfo">THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, <span class="smcap">Ltd.</span></p>

<p class="pubsinfo">TORONTO</p>
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<h1><span class="smcap">Negro Folk Rhymes</span><br />
<span class="subtitle">Wise and Otherwise</span></h1>

<p class="center">WITH A STUDY</p>

<p class="center"><small>BY</small><br />
<big>THOMAS W. TALLEY</big>,<br />
<small>OF FISK UNIVERSITY</small></p>

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<p class="center">New York<br />
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY<br />
1922</p>

<p class="center"><small><i>All rights reserved</i></small></p>
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<div class="clearbox-sm">
<p class="center">PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1922,<br />
By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY.</span><br /><br /></p>

<p class="tpline">&nbsp;</p>

<p class="center">Set up and printed. Published January, 1922.</p>

<p class="center">Press of<br />
J. J. Little &amp; Ives Company<br />
New York, U. S. A.
</p>
</div>

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents">
<tr><td></td><td align="right"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr>
<tr><td><small>INTRODUCTION</small></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_v">v</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><small>PART I: NEGRO FOLK RHYMES</small></td><td align="right"><a href="#Part_I">1</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Dance Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Dance Rhyme Song Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Play Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Pastime Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Love Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Love Song Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Courtship Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Courtship Song Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Marriage Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Married Life Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Nursery Rhyme Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Wise Saying Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Foreign Section</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><small>PART II: A STUDY IN NEGRO FOLK RHYMES</small></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><small>GENERAL INDEX</small></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_327">327</a></td></tr>
<tr><td><small>COMPARATIVE STUDY INDEX</small></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_337">337</a></td></tr>
</table>

<p><!-- Page v --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p>
<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2>

<p>Of the making of books by individual authors there is no end; but a
cultivated literary taste among the exceptional few has rendered almost
impossible the production of genuine folk-songs. The spectacle,
therefore, of a homogeneous throng of partly civilized people dancing to
the music of crude instruments and evolving out of dance-rhythm a
lyrical or narrative utterance in poetic form is sufficiently rare in
the nineteenth century to challenge immediate attention. In <i>Negro Folk
Rhymes</i> is to be found no inconsiderable part of the musical and poetic
life-records of a people; the compiler presents an arresting volume
which, in addition to being a pioneer and practically unique in its
field, is as nearly exhaustive as a sympathetic understanding of the
Negro mind, careful research, and labor of love can make it. Professor
Talley of Fisk University has spared himself no pains in collecting and
piecing together every attainable scrap and fragment of secular rhyme
which might help in adequately interpreting the inner life of his own
people.</p>

<p><!-- Page vi --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></p><p>Being the expression of a race in, or just emerging from bondage, these
songs may at first seem to some readers trivial and almost wholly devoid
of literary merit. In phraseology they may appear crude, lacking in that
elegance and finish ordinarily associated with poetic excellence; in
imagery they are at times exceedingly winter-starved, mediocre, common,
drab, scarcely ever rising above the unhappy environment of the singers.
The outlook upon life and nature is, for the most part, one of
imaginative simplicity and child-like na&iuml;vet&eacute;; superstitions crowd in
upon a worldly wisdom that is elementary, practical, and obvious; and a
warped and crooked human nature, developed and fostered by
circumstances, shows frequently through the lines. What else might be
expected? At the time when these rhymes were in process of being created
the conditions under which the American Negro lived and labored were not
calculated to inspire him with a desire for the highest artistic
expression. Restricted, cramped, bound in unwilling servitude, he looked
about him in his miserable little world to see whatever of the beautiful
or happy he might find; that which he discovered is pathetically slight,
but, such as it is, it served to keep alive his stunted artist-soul
under the most adverse circumstances. <!-- Page vii --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span>He saw the sweet pinks under a
blue sky, or observed the fading violets and the roses that fall, as he
passed to a tryst under the oak trees of a forest, and wrought these
things into his songs of love and tenderness. Friendless and otherwise
without companionship he lived in imagination with the beasts and birds
of the great out-of-doors; he knew personally Mr. Coon, Brother Rabbit,
Mr. 'Possum and their associates of the wild; Judge Buzzard and Sister
Turkey appealed to his fancy as offering material for what he supposed
to be poetic treatment. Wherever he might find anything in his lowly
position which seemed to him truly useful or beautiful, he seized upon
it and wove about it the sweetest song he could sing. The result is not
so much poetry of a high order as a valuable illustration of the
persistence of artist-impulses even in slavery.</p>

<p>In some of these folk-songs, however, may be found certain qualities
which give them dignity and worth. They are, when properly presented,
rhythmical to the point of perfection. I myself have heard many of them
chanted with and without the accompaniment of clapping hands, stamping
feet, and swaying bodies. Unfortunately a large part of their liquid
melody and flexibility of movement is lost through confinement in cold
print; but when<!-- Page viii --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span>
they are heard from a distance on quiet summer nights
or clear Southern mornings, even the most fastidious ear is satisfied
with the rhythmic pulse of them. That pathos of the Negro character
which can never be quite adequately caught in words or transcribed in
music is then augmented and intensified by the peculiar quality of the
Negro voice, rich in overtones, quavering, weird, cadenced, throbbing
with the sufferings of a race. Or perhaps that well-developed sense of
humor which has, for more than a century, made ancestral sorrows
bearable finds fuller expression in the lilting turn of a note than in
the flashes of wit which abundantly enliven the pages of this volume.
There is one lyric in particular which, in evident sincerity of feeling,
simple and unaffected grace, and regularity of form, appeals to me as
having intrinsic literary value:</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">She hug' me, an' she kiss' me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She wrung my han' an' cried.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She said I wus de sweetes' thing<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat ever lived or died.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">She hug' me an' she kiss' me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh Heaben! De touch o' her han'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She said I wus de puttiest thing<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In de shape o' mortal man.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page ix --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span><span class="i0">I told her dat I love' her,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat my love wus bed-cord strong;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den I axed her w'en she'd have me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she jes' say, "Go 'long!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>There is also a dramatic quality about many of these rhymes which must
not be overlooked. It has long been my observation that the Negro is
possessed by nature of considerable, though not as yet highly developed,
histrionic ability; he takes delight in acting out in pantomime whatever
he may be relating in song or story. It is not surprising, then, to find
that the play-rhymes, originating from the "call" and "response," are
really little dramas when presented in their proper settings. "Caught By
The Witch" would not be ineffective if, on a dark night, it were acted
in the vicinity of a graveyard! And one ballad&mdash;if I may be permitted to
dignify it by that name&mdash;called "Promises of Freedom" is characterized
by an unadorned narrative style and a dramatic ending which are
associated with the best English folk-ballads. The singer tells simply
and, one feels, with a grim impersonality of how his mistress promised
to set him free; it seemed as if she would never die&mdash;but "she's somehow
gone"! His master likewise made promises,</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page x --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span><span class="i0">Yes, my ole Mosser promise' me;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But "his papers" didn't leave me free.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A dose of pizen he'pped 'im along.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">May de Devil preach 'is
 <ins class="correction" title="original reads: funer'l">f&#363;ner'l</ins> song.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>The manner of this conclusion is strikingly like that of the Scottish
ballad, "Edward,"</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">The curse of hell frae me sall ye beir,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Mither, Mither,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">The curse of hell frae me sall ye beir,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sic counseils ye gave to me O.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>In both a story of cruelty is suggested in a single artistic line and
ended with startling, dramatic abruptness.</p>

<p>In fact, these two songs probably had their ultimate origin in not
widely dissimilar types of illiterate, unsophisticated human society.
Professor Talley's "Study in Negro Folk Rhymes," appended to this volume
of songs, is illuminating. One may not be disposed to accept without
considerable modification his theories entire; still his account from
personal, first-hand knowledge of the beginnings and possible evolution
of certain rhymes in this collection is apparently authentic. Here we
have again, in the nineteenth century, the record of a singing, dancing
people creating by a process<!-- Page xi --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[Pg xi]</a></span> approximating communal authorship a mass
of verse embodying tribal memories, ancestral superstitions, and racial
wisdom handed down from generation to generation through oral tradition.
These are genuine folk-songs&mdash;lyrics, ballads, rhymes&mdash;in which are
crystallized the thought and feeling, the universally shared lore of a
folk. Recent theorizers on poetic origins who would insist upon
individual as opposed to community authorship of certain types of
song-narrative might do well to consider Professor Talley's
characteristic study. And students of comparative literature who love to
recreate the life of a tribe or nation from its song and story will
discover in this collection a mine of interesting material.</p>

<p>Fisk University, the center of Negro culture in America, is to be
congratulated upon having initiated the gathering and preservation of
these relics, a valuable heritage from the past. Just how important for
literature this heritage may prove to be will not appear until this
institution&mdash;and others with like purposes&mdash;has fully developed by
cultivation, training, and careful fostering the artistic impulses so
abundantly a part of the Negro character. A race which has produced,
under the most disheartening conditions, a mass of folk-poetry such<!-- Page xii --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[Pg xii]</a></span> as
<i>Negro Folk Rhymes</i> may be expected to create with unlimited
opportunities for self-development, a literature and a distinctive music
of superior quality.</p>

<p class="introsig">
Walter Clyde Curry.</p>

<p>
Vanderbilt University,<br />
September 30, 1921.<br />
</p>

<h2><a name="Part_I" id="Part_I">
PART I<br />
<br />
NEGRO FOLK RHYMES</a></h2>

<p><!-- Page 1 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>

<h3>Dance Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>JONAH'S BAND PARTY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Han's up sixteen! Circle to de right!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We's gwine to git big eatin's here to-night."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Raise yo' right foot, kick it up high,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Knock dat <a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>Mobile Buck in de eye."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Stan' up, flat foot, <a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>Jump dem Bars!<br /></span>
<span class="i0"><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>Karo back'ards lak a train o' kyars."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Ban'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Dance 'round, Mistiss, show 'em de p'int;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Nigger don't know how to <a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>Coonjaint."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> These are dance steps. For explanation read the Study in
Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div></div>

<p><!-- Page 2 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LOVE IS JUST A THING OF FANCY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Love is jes a thing o' fancy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Beauty's jes a blossom;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you wants to git y&#333;' finger bit,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Stick it at a 'possum.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Beauty, it's jes skin deep;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ugly, it's to de bone.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Beauty, it'll jes fade 'way;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But Ugly'll h&#333;l' 'er own.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>STILL WATER CREEK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Way down yon'er on Still Water Creek,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I got stalded an' stayed a week.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I see'd Injun Puddin and Punkin pie,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But de black cat stick 'em in de yaller cat's eye.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Way down yon'er on Still Water Creek,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Niggers grows up some ten or twelve feet.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey goes to bed but dere hain't no use,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze deir feet sticks out fer de chickens t' roost.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I got hongry on Still Water Creek,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De mud to de hub an' de hoss britchin weak.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I stewed bullfrog chitlins, baked polecat pie;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If I goes back dar, I sh&#333;'s gwine to die.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 3 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>'POSSUM UP THE GUM STUMP</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Possum up de gum stump,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat raccoon in de holler;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Twis' 'im out, an' git 'im down,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I'll gin you a half a doller.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Possum up de gum stump,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, cooney in de holler;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A pretty gal down my house<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes as fat as she can waller.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Possum up de gum stump,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His jaws is black an' dirty;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To come an' kiss you, pretty gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'd run lak a gobbler tucky.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Possum up de gum stump,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A good man's hard to f&#299;n';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'd better love me, pretty gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'll git de yudder k&#299;n'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 4 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>JOE AND MALINDA JANE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Joe jes swore upon 'is life<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He'd make Merlindy Jane 'is wife.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en she hear 'im up 'is love an' tell,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She jumped in a bar'l o' mussel shell.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She scrape 'er back till de skin come off.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nex' day she die wid de Whoopin' Cough.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WALK, TALK, CHICKEN WITH YOUR HEAD PECKED!</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Walk, talk, chicken wid y&#333;' head pecked!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You can crow w'en youse been dead.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Walk, talk, chicken wid y&#333;' head pecked!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You can h&#333;l' high y&#333;' bloody head.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You's whooped dat Blue Hen's Chicken,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You's beat 'im at his game.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If dere's some fedders on him,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer dat you's not to blame.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Walk, talk, chicken wid y&#333;' head pecked!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You beat ole Johnny Blue!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Walk, talk, chicken wid y&#333;' head pecked!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Say: "Cock-a-doo-dle-doo&mdash;!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 5 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TAILS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De coon's got a long ringed bushy tail,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De 'possum's tail is bare;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat rabbit hain't got no tail 'tall,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Cep' a liddle bunch o' hair.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De gobbler's got a big fan tail,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De pattridge's tail is small;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat peacock's tail 's got great big eyes,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But dey don't see nothin' 'tall.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CAPTAIN DIME</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Cappun Dime is a fine w'ite man.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He wash his face in a fry'n' pan,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He comb his head wid a waggin wheel,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he die wid de toothache in his heel.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Cappun Dime is a mighty fine feller,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he sh&#333;' play kyards wid de Niggers in de cellar,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But he will git drunk, an' he won't smoke a pipe,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den he will pull de watermillions 'fore dey gits ripe.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 6 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CROSSING THE RIVER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I went down to de river an' I couldn' git 'cross.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I jumped on er mule an' I thought 'e wus er hoss.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat mule 'e wa'k in an' git mired up in de san';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'd oughter see'd dis Nigger make back fer de lan'!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I want to cross de river but I caint git 'cross;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So I mounted on a ram, fer I thought 'e wus er hoss.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I plunged him in, but he sorter fail to swim;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I give five dollars fer to git 'im out ag'in.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes, I went down to de river an' I couldn' git 'cross,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So I give a whole dollar fer a ole blin' hoss;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den I souzed him in an' he sink 'stead o' swim.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Do you know I got wet clean to my ole hat brim?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>T-U-TURKEY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">T-u, tucky, T-u, ti.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">T-u, tucky, buzzard's eye.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">T-u, tucky, T-u, ting.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">T-u, tucky, buzzard's wing.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh, Mistah Washin'ton! Don't whoop me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whoop dat Nigger Back 'hind dat tree.<br /></span>
<!-- Page 7 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span><span class="i0">He stole tucky, I didn' steal none.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go wuk him in de co'n field jes fer fun.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CHICKEN IN THE BREAD TRAY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Auntie, will y&#333;' dog bite?"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"No, Chile! No!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Chicken in de bread tray<br /></span>
<span class="i2">A makin' up dough.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Auntie, will y&#333;' broom hit?"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"Yes, Chile!" Pop!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Chicken in de bread tray;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"Flop! Flop! Flop!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Auntie, will y&#333;' oven bake?"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"Yes. Jes fry!"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"What's dat chicken good fer?"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"Pie! Pie! Pie!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Auntie, is y&#333;' pie good?"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"Good as you could 'spec'."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Chicken in de bread tray;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"Peck! Peck! Peck!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 8 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MOLLY COTTONTAIL, OR, GRAVEYARD RABBIT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Molly Cottontail,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">At night, w'en de moon's pale;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You don't fail to tu'n tail,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You always gives me leg bail.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a><br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Molly in de Bramble-brier,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Let me git a little nigher;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Prickly-pear, it sting lak fire!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Do please come pick out de brier!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Molly in de pale moonlight,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Y&#333;' tail is sh&#333; a pretty white;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You takes it fer 'way out'n sight.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Molly! Molly! Molly Bright!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Molly Cottontail,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You sets up on a rotten rail!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You tears through de graveyard!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You makes dem ugly <a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a>hants wail.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Molly Cottontail,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Won't you be shore not to fail<br /></span>
<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>To give me y&#333;' right h&#299;n' foot?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My luck, it won't be fer sale.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Leg bail = to run away.</p></div>
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Hants = ghosts or spirits.</p></div>
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> This embraces the old superstition that carrying in
one's pocket the right hind foot of a rabbit, which has
habitually lived about a cemetery, brings good luck to its
possessor.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 9 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a>JUBA</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Juba dis, an' Juba dat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Juba <a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a>skin dat Yaller Cat. Juba! Juba!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Juba jump an' Juba sing.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Juba, <a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a>cut dat Pigeon's Wing. Juba! Juba!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Juba, kick off Juba's shoe.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Juba, dance dat <a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a>Jubal Jew. Juba! Juba!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Juba, whirl dat foot about.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Juba, blow dat candle out. Juba! Juba!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Juba circle, <a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a>Raise de Latch.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Juba do dat <a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a>Long Dog Scratch. Juba! Juba!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> This peculiar kind of dance rhyme is explained in the Study
in Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div>

<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6">
<span class="label">[6]</span></a> The expressions
<ins class="correction" title="original reads: marked &#8225;">marked [6]</ins> are various kinds of dance
steps.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 10 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ON TOP OF THE POT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Wild goose gallop an' gander trot;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Walk about, Mistiss, on top o' de pot!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hog jowl bilin', an' tunnup greens hot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Walk about, Billie, on top o' de pot!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Chitlins, hog years, all on de spot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Walk about, ladies, on top o' de pot!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a>
STAND BACK, BLACK MAN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Oh!</i><br /></span>
<span class="i2">Stan' back, black man,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">You cain't shine;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Y&#333;' lips is too thick,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' you hain't my k&#299;n'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 11 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>
<span class="i0"><i>Aw!</i><br /></span>
<span class="i2">Git 'way, black man,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">You jes haint fine;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I'se done quit foolin'<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Wid de nappy-headed kind.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Say?</i><br /></span>
<span class="i2">Stan' back, black man!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Cain't you see<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Dat a kinky-headed chap<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Hain't nothin' side o' me?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> In a few places in the South, just following the Civil War,
the Mulattoes organized themselves into a little guild known as "The
Blue Vein Circle," from which those who were black were excluded. This
is one of their rhymes.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>NEGROES NEVER DIE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nigger! Nigger never die!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He gits choked on Chicken pie.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Black face, white shiny eye. Nigger! Nigger!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nigger! Nigger never knows!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mashed nose, an' crooked toes;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat's de way de Nigger goes. Nigger! Nigger!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nigger! Nigger always sing;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jump up, cut de Pidgeon's wing;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whirl, an' give his feet a fling. Nigger! Nigger!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 12 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>JAWBONE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Samson, shout! Samson, moan!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Samson, bring on y&#333;' Jawbone.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jawbone, walk! Jawbone, talk!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jawbone, eat wid a knife an fo'k.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Walk, Jawbone! Jinny, come alon'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yon'er goes Sally wid de bootees on.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jawbone, ring! Jawbone, sing!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jawbone, kill dat wicked thing.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>INDIAN FLEA</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Injun flea, bit my knee;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Kaze I wouldn' drink ginger tea.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Flea bite hard, flea bite quick;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Flea bite burn lak dat seed tick.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hit dat flea, flea not dere.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se so mad I pulls my hair.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I go wild an' fall in de creek.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To wash 'im off, I'd stay a week.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 13 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>AS I WENT TO SHILOH</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">As I went down<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To Shiloh Town;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I rolled my barrel of Sogrum down.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem lasses rolled;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de hoops, dey bust;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' blowed dis Nigger clear to Thundergust!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>JUMP JIM CROW</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Git fus upon y&#333;' heel,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' den upon y&#333;' toe;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An ebry time you tu'n 'round,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You jump Jim Crow.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Now fall upon y&#333;' knees,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jump up an' bow low;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' ebry time you tu'n 'round,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You jump Jim Crow.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Put y&#333;' han's upon y&#333;' hips,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Bow low to y&#333;' beau;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' ebry time you tu'n 'round,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You jump Jim Crow.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 14 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p>

<h3>Dance Rhyme Song Section</h3>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-jaybird.png" width="450" height="480" alt="Jaybird Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>

<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-029-jaybird.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>JAYBIRD</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De Jaybird jump from lim' to lim',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he tell Br'er Rabbit to do lak him.<br /></span>
<!-- Page 15 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span><span class="i0">Br'er Rabbit say to de cunnin' elf:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"You jes want me to fall an' kill myself."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Jaybird a-settin' on a swingin' lim'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He wink at me an' I wink at him.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He laugh at me w'en my gun "crack."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It kick me down on de flat o' my back.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nex' day de Jaybird dance dat lim'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I grabs my gun fer to shoot at him.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en I "crack" down, it split my chin.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Ole Aggie Cunjer" fly lak sin.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Way down yon'er at de risin' sun,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jaybird a-talkin' wid a forked tongue.<br /></span>
<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a>He's been down dar whar de bad mens dwell.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Ole Friday Devil," fare&mdash;you&mdash;well!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> A superstition. For explanation, see Study in Negro Folk
Rhymes.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>OFF FROM RICHMOND</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se off from Richmon' sooner in de mornin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se off from Richmon' bef&#333;' de break o' day.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I slips off from Mosser widout pass an' warnin'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer I mus' see my Donie wharever she may stay.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 16 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HE IS MY HORSE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">One day as I wus a-ridin' by,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Said dey: "Ole man, y&#333;' hoss will die"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"If he dies, he is my loss;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' if he lives, he is my hoss."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nex' day w'en I come a-ridin' by,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey said: "Ole man, y&#333;' hoss may die."&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"If he dies, I'll tan 'is skin;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' if he lives, I'll ride 'im ag'in."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Den ag'in w'en I come a-ridin' by,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Said dey: "Ole man, y&#333;' hoss mought die."&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"If he dies, I'll eat his co'n;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' if he lives, I'll ride 'im on."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a>
JUDGE BUZZARD</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dere sets Jedge Buzzard on de Bench.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go tu'n him off wid a monkey wrench!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jedge Buzzard try Br'er Rabbit's case;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he say Br'er Tarepin win dat race.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here sets Jedge Buzzard on de Bench.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Knock him off wid dat monkey wrench!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9">
<span class="label">[9]</span></a> See Study in Negro Rhymes for explanation.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 17 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SHEEP AND GOAT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sheep an' goat gwine to de paster;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Says de goat to de sheep: "Cain't you walk a liddle faster?"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De sheep says: "I cain't, I'se a liddle too full."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den de goat say: "You can wid my ho'ns in y&#333;' wool."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But de goat fall down an' skin 'is shin<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de sheep split 'is lip wid a big broad grin.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>JACKSON, PUT THAT KETTLE ON!</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jackson, put dat kittle on!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fire, steam dat coffee done!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Day done broke, an' I got to run<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer to meet my gal by de risin' sun.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My ole Mosser say to me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat I mus' drink <a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a>sassfac tea;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But Jackson stews dat coffee done,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he sh&#333;' gits his po'tion: Son!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Sassfac = sassafras.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 18 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DINAH'S DINNER HORN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">It's a c&#333;l', frosty mornin',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de Niggers goes to wo'k;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid deir axes on deir shoulders,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' widout a bit o' <a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a>shu't.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey's got ole husky ashcake,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Widout a bit o' fat;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de white folks'll grumble,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you eats much o' dat.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I runs down to de henhouse,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I falls upon my knees;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's 'nough to make a rabbit laugh<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To hear my tucky sneeze.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I grows up on dem meatskins,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I comes down on a bone;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hits dat co'n bread fifty licks,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I makes dat butter moan.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">It's glory in y&#333;' honor!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' don't you want to go?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I sholy will be ready<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer dat dinnah ho'n to blow.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 19 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span><span class="i0">Dat ole bell, it goes "Bangity&mdash;bang!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer all dem white folks bo'n.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I'se not ready fer to go<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Till Dinah blows her ho'n.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Poke&mdash;sallid!" "Poke&mdash;sallid!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat ole ho'n up an' blow.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes think about dem good ole greens!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Say? Don't you want to go?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> Shu't = shirt.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MY MULE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Las' Saddy mornin' Mosser said:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Jump up now, Sambo, out'n bed.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go saddle dat mule, an' go to town;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' bring home Mistiss' mornin' gown."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I saddled dat mule to go to town.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I mounted up an' he buck'd me down.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den I jumped up from out'n de dust,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I rid him till I thought he'd bust.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 20 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BULLFROG PUT ON THE SOLDIER CLOTHES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bullfrog put on de soldier clo's.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He went down yonder fer to shoot at de crows;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid a knife an' a fo'k between 'is toes,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' a white hankcher fer to wipe 'is nose.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bullfrog put on de soldier clo's.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He's a "dead shore shot," gwineter kill dem <ins class="correction" title="original had close quote after crows.">crows.</ins><br /></span>
<span class="i0">He takes "Pot," an' "Skillet" from de Fiddler's Ball.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey're to dance a liddle jig while Jim Crow fall.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bullfrog put on de soldier clo's.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He went down de river fer to shoot at de crows.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De powder flash, an' de crows fly 'way;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de Bullfrog shoot at 'em all nex' day.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SAIL AWAY, LADIES!</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sail away, ladies! Sail away!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sail away, ladies! Sail away!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nev' min' what dem white folks say,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">May de Mighty bless you. Sail away!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 21 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span><span class="i0">Nev' min' what y&#333;' daddy say,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Shake y&#333;' liddle foot an' fly away.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nev' min' if y&#333;' mammy say:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"De Devil'll git you." Sail away!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE BANJO PICKING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hush boys! Hush boys! Don't make a noise,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">While ole Mosser's sleepin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We'll run down de Graveyard, an' take out de bones,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' have a liddle Banjer pickin'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I takes my Banjer on a Sunday mornin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem ladies, dey 'vites me to come.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We slips down de hill an' picks de liddle chune:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Walk, Tom Wilson Here Afternoon."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a>"Walk Tom Wilson Here Afternoon";<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"You Cain't Dance Lak ole Zipp Coon."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pick <a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a>"Dinah's Dinner Ho'n" "Dance 'Round de Room."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Sweep dat Kittle Wid a Bran' New Broom."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a>
Those <ins class="correction" title="original reads: starred">marked [12]</ins> are found elsewhere in this volume. We were
unable to obtain the other three.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 22 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>OLD MOLLY HARE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Molly har'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What's you doin' thar?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I'se settin' in de fence corner, smokin' seegyar."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Molly har'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What's you doin' thar?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I'se pickin' out a br'or, settin' on a Pricky-p'ar."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Molly har'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What's you doin' thar?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I'se gwine cross de Cotton Patch, hard as I can t'ar."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Molly har' to-day,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So dey all say,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Got her pipe o' clay, jes to smoke de time 'way.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"De dogs say 'boo!'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dey barks too,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't got no time fer to talk to you."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 23 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p>

<h5>ONE NEGRO TUNE USED WITH "AN OPOSSUM HUNT"</h5>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-opossum.png" width="450" height="397" alt="An Opossum Hunt Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>
<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-038-opossum.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>AN OPOSSUM HUNT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Possum meat is good an' sweet,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I always finds it good to eat.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My dog tree, I went to see.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A great big 'possum up dat tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I retch up an' pull him in,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den dat ole 'possum 'gin to grin.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 24 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span><span class="i0">I tuck him home an' dressed him off,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat night I laid him in de fros'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De way I cooked dat 'possum sound,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I fust parboiled, den baked him brown.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I put sweet taters in de pan,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Twus de bigges' eatin' in de lan'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DEVILISH PIGS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I wish I had a load o' poles,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To fence my new-groun' lot;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To keep dem liddle bitsy debblish pigs<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Frum a-rootin' up all I'se got.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey roots my cabbage, roots my co'n;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey roots up all my beans.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey speilt my fine sweet-tater patch,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dey ruint my tunnup greens.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se rund dem pigs, an' I'se rund dem pigs.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gittin' mighty hot;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' one dese days w'en nobody look,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey'll root 'round in my pot.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 25 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PROMISES OF FREEDOM</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My ole Mistiss promise me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en she died, she'd set me free.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She lived so long dat 'er head got bal',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she give out'n de notion a dyin' at all.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My ole Mistiss say to me:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Sambo, I'se gwine ter set you free."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But w'en dat head git slick an' bal',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Lawd couldn' a' killed 'er wid a big green maul.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My ole Mistiss never die,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid 'er nose all hooked an' skin all dry.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But my ole Miss, she's somehow gone,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she lef' "Uncle Sambo" a-hillin' up co'n.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Mosser lakwise promise me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he died, he'd set me free.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But ole Mosser go an' make his Will<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer to leave me a-plowin' ole Beck still.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 26 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span><span class="i0">Yes, my ole Mosser promise me;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But "his papers" didn' leave me free.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A dose of pizen he'ped 'im along.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">May de Devil preach 'is f&#363;ner'l song.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WHEN MY WIFE DIES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en my wife dies, gwineter git me anudder one;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A big fat yaller one, jes lak de yudder one.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll hate mighty bad, w'en she's been gone.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hain't no better 'oman never nowhars been bo'n.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I comes to die, you mus'n' bury me deep,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But put Sogrum molasses close by my feet.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Put a pone o' co'n bread way down in my han'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Gwineter sop on de way to de Promus' Lan'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I goes to die, Nobody mus'n' cry,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mus'n' dress up in black, fer I mought come back.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But w'en I'se been dead, an' almos' fergotten;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You mought think about me an' keep on a-trottin'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Railly, w'en I'se been dead, you needn' bury me at tall.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You mought pickle my bones down in alkihall;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den fold my han's "so," right across my breas';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' go an' tell de folks I'se done gone to "res'."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 27 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p>

<h5>ONE TUNE USED WITH "BAA! BAA! BLACK SHEEP!"</h5>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-blacksheep.png" width="450" height="452" alt="Baa Baa Black Sheep Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>
<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-042-blacksheep.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BAA! BAA! BLACK SHEEP</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Baa! Baa! Black Sheep,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Has you got wool?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Yes, good Mosser,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Free bags full.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One fer ole Mistis,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One fer Miss Dame,<br /></span>
<!-- Page 28 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span><span class="i0">An' one fer de good Nigger<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes across de lane."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">P&#333;&#333;r liddle Black Sheep,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">P&#333;&#333;r liddle lammy;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">P&#333;&#333;r liddle Black Sheep's<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Got no mammy.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HE WILL GET MR. COON</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Mistah Coon, at de break o' day,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You needn' think youse gwineter git 'way.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze ole man Ned, he know how to run,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he's sh&#333;' gone fer to git 'is gun.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You needn' clam to dat highes' lim',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You cain't git out'n de retch o' him.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You can stay up dar till de sun done set.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll bet you a dollar dat he'll git you yet.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Mistah Coon, you'd well's to give up.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You had well's to give up, I say.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze ole man Ned is straight atter you,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he'll git you sh&#333;' this day.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 29 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BRING ON YOUR HOT CORN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bring along y&#333;' hot co'n,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Bring along y&#333;' col' co'n;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I say bring along,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Bring along y&#333;' <a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a>Jimmy-john.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Some loves de hot co'n,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Some loves de col' co'n;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I loves, I loves,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I loves dat Jimmy-john.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> Jimmy-john = a whiskey jug.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE LITTLE ROOSTER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle rooster,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He crowed bef&#333;' day.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Long come a big owl,<br /></span>
<span class="i0"><ins class="correction" title="original reads: 'An">An'</ins> toted him away.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But de rooster fight hard,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de owl let him go.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now all de pretty hens<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wants dat rooster fer deir beau.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 30 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SUGAR IN COFFEE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sheep's in de meader a-mowin' o' de hay.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De honey's in de bee-gum, so dey all say.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My head's up an' I'se boun' to go.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Who'll take sugar in de coffee-o?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se de prettiest liddle gal in de county-o.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My mammy an' daddy, dey bofe say so.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I looks in de glass, it don't say, "No";<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So I'll take sugar in de coffee-o.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a>
THE TURTLE'S SONG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mud turkle settin' on de end of a log,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-watchin' of a tadpole a-turnin' to a frog.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He sees Br'er B'ar a-pullin' lak a mule.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He sees Br'er Tearpin a-makin' him a fool.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Br'er B'ar pull de rope an' he puff an' he blow;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But he cain't git de Tearpin out'n de water from below.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat big clay root is a-holdin' dat rope,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Br'er Tearpin's got 'im fooled, an' dere hain't no hope.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 31 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
<span class="i0">Mud turkle settin' <ins class="correction" title="original reads: one">on</ins> de end o' dat log;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sing fer de tadpole a-turnin' to a frog,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sing to Br'er B'ar a-pullin' lak a mule,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sing to Br'er Tearpin a-makin' 'im a fool:&mdash;<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Oh, Br'er Rabbit! Y&#333;' eyes mighty big!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Yes, Br'er Turkle! Dey're made fer to see."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, Br'er Tearpin! Y&#333;' house mighty cu'ous!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Yes, Br'er Turkle, but it jest suits me."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Oh, Br'er B'ar! You pulls mighty stout."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Yes, Br'er Turkle! Dat's right smart said!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Right, Br'er B'ar! Dat sounds bully good,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But you'd oughter git a liddle m&#333;' pull in de head."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> For explanation see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>RACCOON AND OPOSSUM FIGHT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De raccoon an' de 'possum<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Under de hill a-fightin';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Rabbit almos' bust his sides<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Laughin' at de bitin'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 32 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span><span class="i0">De raccoon claw de 'possum<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Along de ribs an' head;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Possum tumble over an' grin,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Playin' lak he been dead.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>COTTON EYED JOE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hol' my fiddle an' hol' my bow,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whilst I knocks ole Cotton Eyed Joe.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'd a been dead some seben years ago,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If I hadn' a danced dat Cotton Eyed Joe.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh, it makes dem ladies love me so,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en I comes 'roun' pickin' ole Cotton Eyed Joe!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes, I'd a been married some forty year ago,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If I hadn' stay'd 'roun' wid Cotton Eyed Joe.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I hain't seed ole Joe, since way las' Fall;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey say he's been sol' down to Guinea Gall.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 33 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>RABBIT SOUP</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Rabbit soup! Rabbit sop!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Rabbit e't my tunnup top.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Rabbit hop, rabbit jump,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Rabbit hide behin' dat stump.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Rabbit stop, twelve o'clock,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Killed dat rabbit wid a rock.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Rabbit's mine. Rabbit's skin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dress 'im off an' take 'im in.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Rabbit's on! Dance an' whoop!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Makin' a pot o' rabbit soup!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>OLD GRAY MINK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I once did think dat I would sink,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But you know I wus dat ole gray mink.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat ole gray mink jes couldn' die,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he thought about good chicken pie.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">He swum dat creek above de mill,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he's killing an' eatin' chicken still.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 34 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>RUN, NIGGER, RUN!</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Run, Nigger, run! De <a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a>Patter-rollers'll ketch you.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Run, Nigger, run! It's almos' day.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Nigger run'd, dat Nigger flew,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Nigger tore his shu't in two.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">All over dem woods and frou de paster,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem Patter-rollers shot; but de Nigger git faster,<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh, dat Nigger whirl'd, dat Nigger wheel'd,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Nigger tore up de whole co'n field.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> Patrollers, or white guards; on duty at night during the
days of slavery; whose duty it was to see that slaves without permission
to go, stayed at home.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SHAKE THE PERSIMMONS DOWN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De raccoon up in de 'simmon tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat 'possum on de groun'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De 'possum say to de raccoon: "Suh!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Please shake dem 'simmons down."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 35 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span><span class="i0">De raccoon say to de 'possum: "Suh!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(As he grin from down below),<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"If you wants dese good 'simmons, man,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes clam up whar dey grow."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE COW NEEDS A TAIL IN FLY-TIME</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat ole black sow, she can root in de mud,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She can tumble an' roll in de slime;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But dat big red cow, she git all mired up,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So dat cow need a tail in fly-time.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat ole gray hoss, wid 'is ole bob tail,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You mought buy all 'is ribs fer a dime;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But dat ole gray hoss can git a kiver on,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whilst de cow need a tail in fly-time.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Nigger Overseer, dat's a-ridin' on a mule,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Cain't make hisse'f white lak de lime;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mosser mought take 'im down fer a notch or two,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den de cow'd need a tail in fly-time.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 36 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>JAYBIRD DIED WITH THE WHOOPING COUGH</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De Jaybird died wid de Whoopin' Cough,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Sparrer died wid de colic;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Long come de Red-bird, skippin' 'round,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sayin': "Boys, git ready fer de Frolic!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De Jaybird died wid de Whoopin' Cough,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Bluebird died wid de Measles;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Long come a Nigger wid a fiddle on his back,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Vitin' Crows fer to dance wid de Weasels.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Mockin'-bird, he romp an' sing;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat ole Gray Goose come prancin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Thrasher stuff his mouf wid plums,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den he caper on down to de dancin'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey hopped it low, an' dey hopped it high;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey hopped it to, an' dey hopped it by;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey hopped it fer, an' dey hopped it nigh;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat fiddle an' bow jes make 'em fly.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 37 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WANTED! CORNBREAD AND COON</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se gwine now a-huntin' to ketch a big fat coon.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Gwineter bring him home, an' bake him, an' eat him wid a spoon.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Gwineter baste him up wid gravy, an' add some onions too.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter shet de Niggers out, an' stuff myse'f clean through.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I wants a piece o' hoecake; I wants a piece o' bread,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I wants a piece o' Johnnycake as big as my ole head.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wants a piece o' ash cake: I wants dat big fat coon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I sh&#333;' won't git hongry 'fore de middle o' nex' June.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LITTLE RED HEN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My liddle red hen, wid a liddle white foot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Done built her nes' in a huckleberry root.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She lay m&#333;' aigs dan a flock on a fahm.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Anudder liddle drink wouldn' do us no harm.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 38 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span><span class="i0">My liddle red hen hatch fifty red chicks<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In dat liddle ole nes' of huckleberry sticks.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid one m&#333;' drink, ev'y chick'll make two!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Come, bring it on, Honey, an' let's git through.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>RATION DAY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat ration day come once a week,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ole Mosser's rich as Gundy;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But he gives us 'lasses all de week,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' buttermilk fer Sund'y.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Mosser give me a pound o' meat.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I e't it all on Mond'y;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den I e't 'is 'lasses all de <ins class="correction" title="original reads: week.">week,</ins><br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' buttermilk fer Sund'y.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Mosser give me a peck o' meal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I fed and cotch my tucky;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I e't dem 'lasses all de week,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' buttermilk fer Sund'y.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh laugh an' sing an' don't git tired.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We's all gwine home, some Mond'y,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To de honey ponds an' fritter trees;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' ev'ry day'll be Sund'y.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 39 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MY FIDDLE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If my ole fiddle wus jes in chune,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She'd bring me a dollar ev'y Friday night in June.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en my ole fiddle is fixed up right,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She bring me a dollar in nearly ev'y night.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en my ole fiddle begin to sing,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She make de whole plantation ring.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She bring me in a dollar an' sometime m&#333;'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hurrah fer my ole fiddle an' bow!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DIE IN THE PIG-PEN FIGHTING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat ole sow said to de barrer:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I'll tell you w'at let's do:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Let's go an' git dat broad-axe<br /></span>
<span class="i0">And die in de pig-pen too."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Die in de pig-pen fightin'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, die, die in de wah!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Die in de pig-pen fightin',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, die wid a bitin' jaw!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 40 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MASTER IS SIX FEET ONE WAY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mosser is six foot one way, an' free foot tudder;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he weigh five hunderd pound.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Britches cut so big dat dey don't suit de tailor,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dey don't meet half way 'round.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mosser's coat come back to a claw-hammer p'int.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Speak sof' or his Bloodhound'll bite us.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His long white stockin's mighty clean an' nice,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But a liddle m&#333;' holier dan righteous.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FOX AND GEESE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Br'er Fox wa'k out one moonshiny night,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He say to hisse'f w'at he's a gwineter do.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He say, "I'se gwineter have a good piece o' meat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Bef&#333;' I leaves dis townyoo.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dis townyoo, dis townyoo!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, bef&#333;' I leaves dis townyoo!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 41 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span><span class="i0">Ole mammy Sopentater jump up out'n bed,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she poke her head outside o' de d&#333;'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She say: "Ole man, my gander's gone.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I heared 'im w'en he holler 'quinny-quanio,'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Quinny-quanio, quinny-quanio!'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, I heared 'im w'en he holler 'quinny-quanio.'"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GOOSEBERRY WINE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i1">Now 'umble Uncle Steben,<br /></span>
<span class="i1">I wonders whar youse gwine?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Don't never tu'n y&#333;' back, Suh,<br /></span>
<span class="i1">On dat good ole gooseberry wine!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i1">Oh walk chalk, Ginger Blue!<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Git over double trouble.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">You needn' min' de wedder<br /></span>
<span class="i1">So's de win' don't blow you double.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Now!</i><br /></span>
<span class="i1">Uncle Mack! Uncle Mack!<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Did you ever see de lak?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Dat good ole sweet gooseberry wine<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Call Uncle Steben back.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 42 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I'D RATHER BE A NEGRO THAN A POOR WHITE MAN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">My name's Ran, I wuks in de san';<br /></span>
<span class="i3">But I'd druther be a Nigger dan a p&#333;' white man.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">Gwineter hitch my oxes side by side,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">An' take my gal fer a big fine ride.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">Gwineter take my gal to de country st&#333;';<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Gwineter dress her up in red calico.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">You take Kate, an' I'll take Joe.<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Den off we'll go to de pahty-o.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">Gwineter take my gal to de Hullabaloo,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Whar dere hain't no <a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>Crackers in a mile or two.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Interlocution</i>:<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">(Fiddler) "Oh, Sal! Whar's de milk strainer cloth?"<br /></span>
<!-- Page 43 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">(Banjo Picker) "Bill's got it wropped 'round his ole sore leg."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">(Fiddler) "Well, take it down to de gum spring an' give it a cold water
rench; I 'spizes nastness anyway. I'se got to have a clean cloth fer de milk."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">He don't lak whisky but he jest drinks a can.<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Honey! I'd druther be a Nigger dan a p&#333;' white man.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">I'd druther be a Nigger, an' plow ole Beck<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Dan a white <a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>Hill Billy wid his long red neck.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> Names applied by Negroes to the poorer class of white
people in the South.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE HUNTING CAMP</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sam got up one mornin'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A mighty big fros'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Saw "A louse, in de huntin' camp<br /></span>
<span class="i0">As big as any hoss!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 44 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span><span class="i0">Sam run 'way down de mountain;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But w'en Mosser got dar,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He swore it twusn't nothin'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But a big black b'ar.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE ARK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Nora had a lots o' hands<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A clearin' new ground patches.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He said he's gwineter build a Ark,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' put tar on de hatches.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">He had a sassy Mo'gan hoss<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' gobs of big fat cattle;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he driv' em all aboard de Ark,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he hear de thunder rattle.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">An' den de river riz so fas'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat it bust de levee railin's.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De lion got his dander up,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he lak to a broke de palin's.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">An' on dat Ark wus daddy Ham;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No udder Nigger on dat packet.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He soon got tired o' de Barber Shop,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze he couln' stan' de racket.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 45 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span><span class="i0">An' den jes to amuse hisse'f,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He steamed a board an' bent it, Son.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat way he got a banjer up,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer ole Ham's de fust to make one.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey danced dat Ark from &#275;en to &#275;en,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ole Nora called de Figgers.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ole Ham, he sot an' knocked de chunes,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De happiest of de Niggers.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GRAY AND BLACK HORSES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I went down to de woods an' I couldn' go 'cross,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So I paid five dollars fer an ole gray hoss.<br /></span>
<span class="i0"><ins class="correction" title="this line was indented in the original">De hoss wouldn' pull, so I s&#333;l' 'im fer a bull.</ins><br /></span>
<span class="i0">De bull wouldn' holler, so I s&#333;l' 'im fer a dollar.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De dollar wouldn' pass, so I throwed it in de grass.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den de grass wouldn' grow. Heigho! Heigho!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Through dat huckleberry woods I couldn' git far,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So I paid a good dollar fer an ole black mar'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en I got down dar, de trees wouldn' bar;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So I had to gallop back on dat ole black mar'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Bookitie-bar!" Dat ole black mar'; "Bookitie-bar!" Dat ole black mar'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes she trabble so hard dat she jolt off my ha'r.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 46 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>RATTLER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Go call ole Rattler from de bo'n.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here Rattler! Here!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He'll drive de cows out'n de co'n,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here Rattler! Here!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Rattler is my huntin' dog.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here Rattler! Here!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He's good fer rabbit, good fer hog,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here Rattler! Here!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">He's good fer 'possum in de dew.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here Rattler! Here!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sometimes he gits a chicken, too.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here Rattler! Here!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BROTHER BEN AND SISTER SAL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Br'er Ben's a mighty good ole man,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He don't steal chickens lak he useter.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He went down de chicken roos' las' Friday night,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' tuck off a dominicker rooster.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 47 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span><span class="i0">Dere's ole Sis Sal, she climbs right well,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But she cain't 'gin to climb lak she useter.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So yonder she sets a shellin' out co'n<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To Mammy's ole bob-tailed rooster.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes, ole Sis Sal's a mighty fine ole gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She's sh&#333;' extra good an' clever.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She's done tuck a notion all her own,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat she hain't gwineter marry never.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Sis Sal's got a foot so big,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat she cain't wear no shoes an' gaiters.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So all she want is some red calico,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dem big yaller yam sweet taters.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Now looky, looky here! Now looky, looky there!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes looky!&mdash;Looky 'way over yonder!&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Don't you see dat ole gray goose<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-smilin' at de gander?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SIMON SLICK'S MULE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dere wus a liddle kickin' man,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His name wus Simon Slick.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He had a mule wid cherry eyes.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh, how dat mule could kick!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 48 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span><span class="i0">An', Suh, w'en you go up to him,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He shet one eye an' smile;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den 'e telegram 'is foot to you,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' sen' you half a mile!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>NOBODY LOOKING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Well: I look dis a way, an' I look dat a way,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' I heared a mighty rumblin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">W'en I come to find out, 'twus dad's black sow,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">A-rootin' an' a-grumblin'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Den:  I slipped away down to de big White House.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Miss Sallie, she done gone 'way.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I popped myse'f in de rockin' chear,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' I rocked myse'f all day.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Now:  I looked dis a way, an' I looked dat a way,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' I didn' see nobody in here.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I jes run'd my head in de coffee pot,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' I drink'd up all o' de beer.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 49 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HOECAKE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to bake a hoecake,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To bake it good an' done;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes' slap it on a Nigger's heel,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' hol' it to de sun.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat snake, he bake a hoecake,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' sot de toad to mind it;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat toad he up an' go to sleep,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' a lizard slip an' find it!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My mammy baked a hoecake,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">As big as Alabamer.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She throwed it 'g'inst a Nigger's head<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' it ring jes' lak a hammer.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De way you bakes a hoecake,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In de ole Virginy 'tire;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You wrops it 'round a Nigger's heel,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' h&#333;l's it to de fire.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 50 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I WENT DOWN THE ROAD</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">I went down de road,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">I went in a whoop;<br /></span>
<span class="i3">An' I met Aunt Dinah<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Wid a chicken pot o' soup.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sing: "I went away from dar; hook-a-doo-dle, hook-a-doo-dle."<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"I went away from dar; hook-a-doo-dle-doo!"<br /></span>
<span class="i3">I drunk up dat soup,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">An' I let her go by;<br /></span>
<span class="i3">An' I t&#333;l' her nex' time<br /></span>
<span class="i3">To bring Missus' pot pie.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sing: "Oh far'-you-well; hook-a-doo-dle, hook-a-doo-dle;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Oh far'-you-well, an' a hook-a-doo-dle-doo!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE OLD HEN CACKLED</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De ole hen she cackled,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' stayed down in de bo'n.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She git fat an' sassy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-eatin' up de co'n.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 51 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span><span class="i0">De ole hen she cackled,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Git great long yaller laigs.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She swaller down de oats,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I don't git no aigs.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De ole hen she cackled,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She cackled in de lot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De nex' time she cackled,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She cackled in de pot.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I LOVE SOMEBODY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I loves somebody, yes, I do;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I wants somebody to love me too.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid my chyart an' oxes stan'in' 'roun',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Her pretty liddle foot needn' tetch de groun'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I loves somebody, yes, I do,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat randsome, handsome, Stickamastew.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid her reddingoat an' waterfall,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She's de pretty liddle gal dat beats 'em all.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 52 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WE ARE "ALL THE GO"</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes!   We's "All-de-go," boys; we's "All-de-go."<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Me an' my Lulu gal's "All-de-go."<br /></span>
<span class="i3">I jes' loves my sweet pretty liddle Lulu Ann,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">But de way she gits my money I cain't hardly understan'.<br /></span>
<span class="i4">W'en she up an' call me "Honey!" I fergits my name is Sam,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">An' I hain't got one nickel lef' to git a me a dram.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Still: We's "All-de-go," boys; we's "All-de-go."<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Me an' my Lulu gal's "All-de-go."<br /></span>
<span class="i3">She's always gwine a-fishin', w'en she'd oughter not to go;<br /></span>
<span class="i4">An' now she's all a troubled wid de frostes an' de snow.<br /></span>
<span class="i4">I tells you jes one thing dat I'se done gone an' foun':<br /></span>
<span class="i4">De Nigs cain't git no livin' 'round de C&#333;'t House steps an' town.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 53 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>AUNT DINAH DRUNK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Aunt Dinah, she got drunk.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She fell in de fire, an' she kicked up a chunk.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem embers got in Aunt Dinah's shoe,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat black Nigger sh&#333;' got up an' flew.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I likes Aunt Dinah mighty, mighty well,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But dere's jes' one thing I hates an' 'spize:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She drinks m&#333;' whisky dan de bigges' fool,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den she up an' tell ten thousand lies.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes, I won't git drunk an' kick up a chunk.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I won't git drunk an' kick up a chunk.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I won't git drunk an' kick up a chunk,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">'Way down on de ole Plank Road.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Oh shoo my Love! My turkle dove.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Oh shoo my Love! My turkle dove.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Oh shoo my Love! My turkle dove.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">'Way down on de ole Plank Road.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 54 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE OLD WOMAN IN THE HILLS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once: &nbsp;&nbsp;Dere wus an ole 'oman<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Dat lived in de hills;<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Put rocks in 'er stockin's,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">An' sent 'em to mill.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Den:  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;De ole miller swore,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">By de pint o' his knife;<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Dat he never had ground up<br /></span>
<span class="i3">No rocks in his life.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">So:  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; De ole 'oman said<br /></span>
<span class="i3">To dat miller nex' day:<br /></span>
<span class="i3">"You railly must 'scuse me,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">It's de onliest way."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i3">"I heared you made meal,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">A-grindin' on stones.<br /></span>
<span class="i3">I mus' 'ave heared wrong,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">It mus' 'ave been bones."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 55 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A SICK WIFE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Las' Sadday night my wife tuck sick,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' what d'you reckon ail her?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She e't a tucky gobbler's head<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' her stomach, it jes' fail her.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">She squall out: "Sam, bring me some mint!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Make catnip up an' sage tea!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I goes an' gits her all dem things,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But she throw 'em back right to me.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Says I: "Dear Honey! Mind nex' time!"<br /></span>
<span class="i3">"Don't eat from 'A to Izzard'"<br /></span>
<span class="i3">"I thinks you won' git sick at all,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">If you saves p&#333;' me de gizzard."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MY WONDERFUL TRAVEL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i2">I come down from ole Virginny,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">'Twas on a Summer day;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">De wedder was all frez up,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">'An' I skeeted all de way!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 56 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>
<span class="i0"><i>Interlocution</i>:<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i2">Hand my banjer down to play,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Wanter pick fer dese ladies right away;<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i2">"W'en dey went to bed,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Dey couldn' shet deir eyes,"<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' "Dey was stan'in' on deir heads,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">A-pickin' up de pies."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a>
I WOULD NOT MARRY A BLACK GIRL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I wouldn' marry a black gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll tell you de reason why:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">When she goes to comb dat head<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De naps'll 'gin to fly.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I wouldn' marry a black gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll tell you why I won't:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">When she'd oughter wash her face&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Well, I'll jes say she don't.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I woudn' marry a black gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dis is why I say:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">When you has her face around,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It never gits good day.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> For discussion see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 57 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HARVEST SONG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Las' year wus a good crap year,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' we raised beans an' 'maters.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We didn' make much cotton an' co'n;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But, Goodness Life, de taters!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You can plow dat ole gray hoss,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter plow dat mulie;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' w'en we's geddered in de craps,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwine down to see Julie.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I hain't gwineter wo'k on de railroad.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hates to wo'k on de fahm.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I jes wants to set in de cool shade,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid my head on my Julie's ahm.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You swing Lou, an' I'll swing Sue.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dere hain't no diffunce 'tween dese two.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You swing Lou, I'll swing my beau;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter buy my gal red calico.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 58 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>YEAR OF JUBILEE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Niggers, has you seed ole Mosser;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Red mustache on his face.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-gwine 'roun' sometime dis mawnin',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Spectin' to leave de place?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nigger Hands all runnin' 'way,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Looks lak we mought git free!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It mus' be now de <a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a>Kingdom Come<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In de Year o' Jubilee.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh, yon'er comes ole Mosser<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid his red mustache all white!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It mus' be now de Kingdom Come<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sometime to-morrer night.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yanks locked him in de smokehouse cellar,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De key's throwed in de well:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It sh&#333;' mus' be de Kingdom Come.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go ring dat Nigger field-bell!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Kingdom Come = Freedom.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 59 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SHEEP SHELL CORN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Oh</i>: De Ram blow de ho'n an' de sheep shell co'n;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' he sen' it to de mill by de buck-eyed Whippoorwill.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Ole Joe's dead an' gone but his <a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a>Hant blows de ho'n;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' his hound howls still from de top o' dat hill.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Yes</i>: De Fish-hawk said unto Mistah Crane;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"I wishes to de Lawd dat you'd sen' a liddle rain;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Fer de water's all muddy, an de creek's gone dry;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">If it 'twasn't fer de tadpoles we'd all die."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Oh</i>: When de sheep shell co'n wid de rattle of his ho'n<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I wishes to de Lawd I'd never been bo'n;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Caze when de Hant blows de ho'n, de sperits all dance,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' de hosses an' de cattle, dey whirls 'round an' prance.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 60 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>
<span class="i0"><i>Oh</i>: Yonder comes Skillet an' dere goes Pot;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' here comes Jawbone 'cross de lot.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Walk Jawbone! Beat de Skillet an' de Pan!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">You cut dat Pigeon's Wing, Black Man!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Now</i>: Take keer, gemmuns, an' let me through;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Caze I'se gwineter dance wid liddle Mollie Lou.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">But I'se never seed de lak since I'se been bo'n,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">When de sheep shell co'n wid de rattle of his ho'n!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> Hant = spirit or ghost.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PLASTER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Chilluns:<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Mammy an' daddy had a hoss,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Dey want a liddle bigger.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Dey sticked a plaster on his back<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' drawed a liddle Nigger.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Den:<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Mammy an' daddy had a dog,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">His tail wus short an' chunky.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Dey slapped a plaster 'round dat tail,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' drawed it lak de monkey.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 61 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span><span class="i0">Well:<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Mammy an' daddy's dead an' gone.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Did you ever hear deir story?<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Dey sticked some plasters on deir heels,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' drawed 'em up to Glory!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>UNCLE NED</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jes lay down de shovel an' de hoe.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes hang up de fiddle an' de bow.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No more hard work fer ole man Ned,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer he's gone whar de good Niggers go.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">He didn' have no years fer to hear,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Didn' have no eyes fer to see,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Didn' have no teeth fer to eat corn cake,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he had to let de beefsteak be.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey called 'im "Ole Uncle Ned,"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A long, long time ago.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dere wusn't no wool on de top o' his head<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In de place whar de wool oughter grow.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">When ole man Ned wus dead,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mosser's tears run down lak rain;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But ole Miss, she wus a liddle sorter glad,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat she wouldn' see de ole Nigger 'gain.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 62 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE MASTER'S "STOLEN" COAT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Mosser bought a brand new coat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He hung it on de wall.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Nigger <a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a>stole dat coat away,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' wore it to de Ball.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">His head look lak a Coffee pot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His nose look lak de spout,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His mouf look lak de fier place,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid de ashes all tuck out.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">His face look lak a skillet lid,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His years lak two big kites.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His eyes look lak two big biled aigs,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid de yallers in de whites.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">His body 'us lak a stuffed toad frog,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His foot look lak a board.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh-oh! He thinks he is so fine,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But he's greener dan a gourd.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Stole, here, means taken temporarily with intention to
return.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 63 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p><p><a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a>
I WOULDN'T MARRY A YELLOW OR A WHITE NEGRO GIRL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I sho' loves dat gal dat dey calls Sally <a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a>"Black,"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I sorter loves some of de res';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I first loves de gals fer lovin' me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den I loves myse'f de bes'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I wouldn' marry dat yaller Nigger gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I'll tell you de reason why:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Her neck's drawed out so stringy an' long,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se afeared she 'ould never die.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I wouldn' marry dat White Nigger gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Fer gracious sakes!) dis is why:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Her nose look lak a kittle spout;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' her skin, it hain't never dry.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> For discussion see Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div>

<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> "Black" here is not the real name. This name is applied
because of the complexion of the girls to whom it was sung.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DON'T ASK ME QUESTIONS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Don't ax me no questions,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I won't tell you no lies;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But bring me dem apples,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I'll make you some pies.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 64 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span><span class="i0">An' if you ax questions,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Bout my havin' de flour;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I fergits to use 'lasses<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de pie'll be all sour.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dem apples jes wa'k here;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dem 'lasses, dey run.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hain't no place lak my house<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Found un'er de sun.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE OLD SECTION BOSS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I once knowed an ole Sexion Boss but he done been laid low.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I once knowed an ole Sexion Boss but he done been laid low.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He "Caame frum gude ole Ireland some fawhrty year ago."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I ax 'im fer a job, he say: "Nayger, w'at can yer do?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en I ax 'im fer a job, he say: "Nayger, w'at can yer do?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I can line de track; tote de jack, de pick an' shovel too."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 65 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span><span class="i0">Says he: "Nayger, de railroad's done, an' de chyars is on de track,"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Says he: "Nayger, de railroad's done, an' de chyars is on de track,"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Transportation brung yer here, but y&#333;' money'll take yer back."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I went down to de Deepo, an' my ticket I sh&#333;' did draw.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I went down to de Deepo, an' my ticket I sh&#333;' did draw.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To take me over dat ole Iron Mountain to de State o' Arkansaw.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">As I went sailin' down de road, I met my mudder-in-law.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wus so tired an' hongry, man, dat I couldn' wuk my jaw.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer I hadn't had no decent grub since I lef' ole Arkansaw.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Her bread wus hard corndodgers; dat meat, I couldn' chaw.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Her bread wus hard corndodgers; dat meat, I couldn' chaw.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You see; dat's de way de Hoosiers feeds way out in Arkansaw.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 66 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE NEGRO AND THE POLICEMAN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Oh Mistah Policeman, tu'n me loose;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hain't got no money but a good excuse."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh hello, Sarah Jane!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat ole Policeman treat me mean,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He make me wa'k to Bowlin' Green.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh hello, Sarah Jane!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De way he treat me wus a shame.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He make me wear dat Ball an' Chain.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh hello, Sarah Jane!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I runs to de river, I can't git 'cross;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Police grab me an' swim lak a hoss.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh hello, Sarah Jane!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I goes up town to git me a gun,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat ole Police sh&#333;' make me run.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh hello, Sarah Jane!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I goes crosstown sorter walkin' wid a hump<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat ole Police <ins class="correction" title="original reads: sho'">sh&#333;'</ins> make me jump.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh hello, Sarah Jane!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sarah Jane, is dat y&#333;' name?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Us boys, we calls you Sarah Jane.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Well, hello, Sarah Jane!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 67 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HAM BEATS ALL MEAT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dem white folks set up in a Dinin' Room<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dey charve dat mutton an' lam'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Nigger, he set 'hind de kitchen door,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he eat up de good sweet ham.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dem white folks, dey set up an' look so fine,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dey eats dat ole cow meat;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But de Nigger grin an' he don't say much,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Still he know how to git what's sweet.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Deir ginger cakes taste right good sometimes,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' deir Cobblers an' deir jam.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But fer every day an' Sunday too,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jest gimme de good sweet ham.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ham beats all meat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Always good an' sweet.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ham beats all meat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se always ready to eat.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You can bake it, bile it, fry it, stew it,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' still it's de good sweet ham.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 68 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SUZE ANN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes: I loves dat gal wid a blue dress on,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Dat de white folks calls Suze Ann.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">She's jes' dat gal what stole my heart,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">'Way down in Alabam'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But: She loves a Nigger about nineteen,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Wid his lips all painted red;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Wid a liddle fuz around his mouf;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' no brains in his head.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Now: Looky, looky Eas'! Oh, looky, looky Wes'!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I'se been down to ole Lou'zan';<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Still dat ar gal I loves de bes'<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Is de gal what's named Suze Ann.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Oh, head 'er! Head 'er! Ketch 'er!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Jump up an' <a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a>"Jubal Jew."<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Fer de Banger Picker's sayin':<br /></span>
<span class="i2">He hain't got nothin' to do.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Jubal Jew is a kind of dance step.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WALK TOM WILSON</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Tom Wilson, he had 'im a hoss;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His legs so long he couldn' git 'em 'cross.<!-- Page 69 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span><br /></span>
<span class="i0">He laid up dar lak a bag o' meal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he spur him in de flank wid his toenail heel.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Tom Wilson, he come an' he go,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Frum cabin to cabin in de county-o.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he go to bed, his legs hang do'n,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' his foots makes poles fer de chickens t' roost on.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Tom went down to de river, an' he couldn' go 'cross.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Tom tromp on a 'gater an' 'e think 'e wus a hoss.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid a mouf wide open, 'gater jump from de san',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat Nigger look clean down to de Promus' Lan'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Wa'k Tom Wilson, git out'n de way!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wa'k Tom Wilson, don't wait all de day!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wa'k Tom Wilson, here afternoon;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sweep dat kitchen wid a bran' new broom.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CHICKEN PIE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to make an ole Nigger feel good,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Let me tell you w'at to do:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes take off a chicken from dat chicken roost,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' take 'im along wid you.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Take a liddle dough to roll 'im up in,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' it'll make you wink y&#333;' eye;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wen dat good smell gits up y&#333;' nose,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Frum dat home-made chicken pie.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 70 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span><span class="i0">Jes go round w'en de night's sorter dark,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dem chickens, dey can't see.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Be shore dat de bad dog's all tied up,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den slip right close to de tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now retch out <ins class="correction" title="original reads: yo'">y&#333;'</ins> han' an' pull 'im in,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den run lak a William goat;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' if he holler, squeeze 'is neck,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' shove 'im un'er y&#333;' coat.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bake dat Chicken pie!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's mighty hard to wait<br /></span>
<span class="i0">When you see dat Chicken pie,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hot, smokin' on de plate.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Bake dat Chicken pie!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, put in lots o' spice.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh, how I hopes to Goodness<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat I gits de bigges' slice.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I AM NOT GOING TO HOBO ANY MORE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My mammy done tol' me a long time ago<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To always try fer to be a good boy;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To lay on my pallet an' to waller on de fl&#333;';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' to never leave my daddy's house.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't never gwineter hobo no m&#333;'. By George!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't never gwineter hobo no m&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 71 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span><span class="i0">Yes, bef&#333;' I'd live dat ar hobo life,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll tell you what I'd jes go an' do:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'd court dat pretty gal an' take 'er fer my wife,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den jes lay 'side dat ar hobo life.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't never gwineter hobo no m&#333;'. By George!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't never gwineter hobo no m&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FORTY-FOUR</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If de people'll jes gimme<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Des a liddle bit o' peace,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll tell 'em what happen<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To de Chief o' Perlice.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He met a robber<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Right at de d&#333;'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de robber, he shot 'im<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid a forty-f&#333;'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He shot dat Perliceman.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He shot 'im sh&#333;'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What did he shoot 'im wid?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A forty-f&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey sent fer de Doctah<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de Doctah he come.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He come in a hurry,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He come in a run.<!-- Page 72 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span><br /></span>
<span class="i0">He come wid his instriments<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Right in his han',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To progue an' find<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat forty-f&#333;', Man!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Doctah he progued;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He progued 'im sh&#333;'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But he jes couldn' find<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat forty-f&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey sent fer de Preachah,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de preachah he come.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He come in a walk,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he come in to talk.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He come wid 'is Bible,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Right in 'is han',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he read from dat chapter,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Forty-f&#333;', Man!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Preachah, he read.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He read, I know.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What Chapter did he read frum?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Twus Forty-f&#333;'!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 73 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p>

<h3>Play Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BLINDFOLD PLAY CHANT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh blin' man! Oh blin' man!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You cain't never see.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Just tu'n 'round three times<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You cain't ketch me.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh tu'n Eas'! Oh tu'n Wes'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ketch us if you can.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Did you thought dat you'd cotch us,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mistah blin' man?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FOX AND GEESE PLAY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a>(Fox <i>Call</i>) "Fox in de mawnin'!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Goose <i>Sponse</i>) "Goose in de evenin'!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(Fox <i>Call</i>) "How many geese you got?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Goose <i>Sponse</i>) "More 'an you're able to ketch!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in
Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 74 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HAWK AND CHICKENS PLAY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a>(Chicken's <i>Call</i>)
<ins class="correction" title="original had extra close quote after 'Chickamee'">"Chickamee</ins>, chickamee, cranie-crow."<br /></span>
<span class="i8">I went to de well to wash my toe.<br /></span>
<span class="i8">W'en I come back, my chicken wus gone.<br /></span>
<span class="i8">W'at time, ole Witch?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Hawk <i>Sponse</i>) "One"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(Hawk <i>Call</i>) "I wants a chick."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Chicken's <i>Sponse</i>) "Well, you cain't git mine."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(Hawk <i>Call</i>) "I shall have a chick!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Chicken's <i>Sponse</i>) "You shan't have a chick!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> For explanation of "call," and "sponse," see Study in
Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CAUGHT BY THE WITCH PLAY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(Human <i>Call</i>) "Molly, Molly, Molly-bright!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Witch <i>Sponse</i>) "Three sc&#333;' an' ten!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(Human <i>Call</i>) "Can we git dar 'fore candle-light?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Witch <i>Sponse</i>) "Yes, if y&#333;' legs is long an' light."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(Conscience's Warning <i>Call</i>) "You'd better watch out,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Or de witches'll git yer!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 75 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a>
GOOSIE-GANDER PLAY RHYME</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Goosie, goosie, goosie-gander!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What d'you say?"&mdash;"Say: 'Goose!'"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Ve'y well, go right along, Honey!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I tu'ns y&#333;' years a-loose."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Goosie, goosie, goosie-gander!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What d'you say?"&mdash;"Say: 'Gander'"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Ve'y well. Come in de ring, Honey!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll pull y&#333;' years way yander!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> For explanation read the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HAWK AND BUZZARD</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once: De Hawk an' de buzzard went to roost,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' de hawk got up wid a broke off tooth.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Den: De hawk an' de buzzard went to law,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' de hawk come back wid a broke up jaw.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But lastly: Dat buzzard tried to plead his case,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Den he went home wid a smashed in face.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 76 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LIKES AND DISLIKES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I sho' loves Miss Donie! Oh, yes, I do!<br /></span>
<span class="i3">She's neat in de waist,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Lak a needle in de case;<br /></span>
<span class="i3">An' she suits my taste.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter run wid Mollie Roalin'! Oh, yes, I will!<br /></span>
<span class="i3">She's pretty an' nice<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Lak a bottle full o' spice,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">But she's done drap me twice.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I don't lak Miss Jane! Oh no, I don't.<br /></span>
<span class="i3">She's fat an' stout,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Got her mouf sticked out,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">An' she laks to pout.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SUSIE GIRL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ring 'round, Miss Susie gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ring 'round, "My Dovie."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ring 'round, Miss Susie gal.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Bless you! "My Lovie."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 77 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span><span class="i0">Back 'way, Miss Susie gal.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Back 'way, "My Money."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now come back, Miss Susie gal.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat's right! "My Honey."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Swing me, Miss Susie gal.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Swing me, "My Starlin'."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes swing me, my Susie gal.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes "Love!" "My Darlin'."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SUSAN JANE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I know somebody's got my Lover;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Susan Jane! Susan Jane!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh, cain't you tell me; help me find 'er?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Susan Jane! Susan Jane!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If I lives to see nex' Fall;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Susan Jane! Susan Jane!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't gwineter sow no wheat at all.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Susan Jane! Susan Jane!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Way down yon'er in de middle o' de branch;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Susan Jane! Susan Jane!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De ole cow pat an' de buzzards dance.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Susan Jane! Susan Jane!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 78 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PEEP SQUIRREL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Peep squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Peep squir'l, it's almos' day,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Look squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Look squir'l, an' run away.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Walk squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Walk squir'l, fer dat's de way.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Skip squir'l, ying-ding-did-lum;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Skip squir'l, all dress in gray.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Run squir'l! Ying-ding-did-lum!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Run squir'l! Oh, run away!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I cotch you squir'l! Ying-ding-did-lum!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I cotch you squir'l! Now stay, I say.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DID YOU FEED MY COW?</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Did yer feed my cow?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Will yer tell me how?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, w'at did yer give 'er?" "Cawn an' hay."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, w'at did yer give 'er?" "Cawn an' hay."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 79 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span><span class="i0">"Did yer milk 'er good?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Did yer do lak yer should?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, how did yer milk 'er?" "Swish! Swish! Swish!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, how did yer milk 'er?" "Swish! Swish! Swish!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Did dat cow git sick?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Wus she kivered wid tick?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, how wus she sick?" "All bloated up."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, how wus she sick?" "All bloated up."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Did dat cow die?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Wid a pain in 'er eye?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, how did she die?" "Uh-! Uh-! Uh-!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, how did she die?" "Uh-! Uh-! Uh-!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Did de Buzzards come?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Fer to pick 'er bone?" "Yes, Mam!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, how did they come?" "Flop! Flop! Flop!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, how did they come?" "Flop! Flop! Flop!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A BUDGET</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If I lives to see nex' Spring<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter buy my wife a big gold ring.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 80 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span><span class="i0">If I lives to see nex' Fall,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwinter buy my wife a waterfall.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"When Christmas comes?" You cunnin' elf!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter spen' my money on myself.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE OLD BLACK GNATS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dem ole black gnats, dey is so bad<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I cain't git out'n here.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey stings, an' bites, an' runs me mad;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I cain't git out'n here.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dem ole black gnats dey sings de song,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"You cain't git out'n here.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ole Satan'll git you bef&#333;' long;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You cain't git out'n here."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey burns my years, gits in my eye;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I cain't git out'n here.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey makes me dance, dey makes me cry;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I cain't git out'n here.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I fans an' knocks but dey won't go 'way!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I cain't git out'n here.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey makes me wish 'twus Jedgment Day;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer I cain't git out'n here.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 81 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SUGAR LOAF TEA</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bring through y&#333;' <a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a>Sugar-l&#333;'-tea, bring through y&#333;' <a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a>Candy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All I want is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my Love so handy.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You tu'n here on Sugar-l&#333;'-tea, I'll tu'n there on Candy.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All I want is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my Love so handy.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Some gits drunk on Sugar-l&#333;'-tea, some gits drunk on Candy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But all I wants is to wheel, an' tu'n, an' bow to my Love so handy.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Nicknames applied in imagination to the women engaged in
playing in the Play Song.</p></div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GREEN OAK TREE! ROCKY'O</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Green oak tree! Rocky'o! Green oak tree! Rocky'o!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Call dat one you loves, who it may be,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To come an' set by de side o' me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Will you hug 'im once an' kiss 'im twice?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"W'y! I wouldn' kiss 'im once fer to save 'is life!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Green oak tree! Rocky'o! Green oak tree! Rocky'o!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 82 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>KISSING SONG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">A sleish o' bread an' butter fried,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Is good enough fer y&#333;' sweet Bride.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now choose y&#333;' Lover, w'ile we sing,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' call 'er nex' onto de ring.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Oh my Love, how I loves you!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nothin' 's in dis worl' above you.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dis right han', fersake it never.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dis heart, you mus' keep forever.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One sweet kiss, I now takes from you;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze I'se gwine away to leave you."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>KNEEL ON THIS CARPET</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jes choose y&#333;' Eas'; jes choose y&#333;' Wes'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now choose de one you loves de bes'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If she hain't here to take 'er part<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Choose some one else wid all y&#333;' heart.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Down on dis chyarpet you mus' kneel,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Shore as de grass grows in de fiel'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Salute y&#333;' Bride, an' kiss her sweet,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' den rise up upon y&#333;' feet.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 83 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SALT RISING BREAD</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I loves saltin', saltin' bread.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I loves saltin', saltin' bread.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Put on dat skillet, nev' mind de lead;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze I'se gwineter cook dat saltin' bread;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, ever since my mammy's been dead,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se been makin' an' cookin' dat saltin' bread.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I loves saltin', saltin' bread.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I loves saltin', saltin' bread.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You loves biscuit, butter, an' fat?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I can dance Shiloh better 'an dat.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Does you turn 'round an' shake y&#333;' head?&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Well; I loves saltin', saltin' bread.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I loves saltin', saltin' bread.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I loves saltin', saltin' bread.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en you ax y&#333;' mammy fer butter an' bread,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She don't give nothin' but a stick across y&#333;' head.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">On cracklin's, you say, you wants to git fed?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Well, I loves saltin', saltin' bread.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 84 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PRECIOUS THINGS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hol' my rooster, h&#333;l' my hen,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pray don't tetch my <a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a>Gooshen Ben'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hol' my bonnet, h&#333;l' my shawl,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pray don't tetch my waterfall.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">H&#333;l' my han's by de finger tips,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But pray don't tetch my sweet liddle lips.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> Grecian Bend.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HE LOVES SUGAR AND TEA</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mistah Buster, he loves sugar an' tea.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mistah Buster, he loves candy.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mistah Buster, he's a Jim-dandy!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He can swing dem gals so handy.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Charlie's up an' Charlie's down.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Charlie's fine an' dandy.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ev'ry time he goes to town,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He gits dem gals stick candy.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Niggah, he love sugar an' tea.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Niggah love dat candy.<!-- Page 85 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span><br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fine Niggah! He can wheel 'em 'round,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' swing dem ladies handy.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mistah Sambo, he love sugar an' tea.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mistah Sambo love his candy.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mistah Sambo; he's dat han'some man<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What goes wid sister Mandy.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HERE COMES A YOUNG MAN COURTING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Here comes a young man a courtin'! Courtin'! Courtin'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here comes a young man a-courtin'! It's Tidlum Tidelum Day.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Say! Won't you have one o' us? Us, Sir? Us, Sir?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Say! Won't you have one o' us, Sir?" dem brown skin ladies say.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"You is too black an' rusty! Rusty! Rusty!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You is too black an' rusty!" said Tidlum Tidelum Day.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"We hain't no blacker 'an you, Sir! You, Sir! You, Sir!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We hain't no blacker 'an you, Sir!" dem brown skin ladies say.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 86 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span><span class="i0">"Pray! Won't you have one o' us, Sir? Us, Sir? Us, Sir?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pray! Won't you have one o' us, Sir?" say yaller gals all gay.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"You is too ragged an' dirty! Dirty! Dirty!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You is too ragged an' dirty!" said Tidlum Tidelum Day.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"You shore is got de bighead! Bighead! Bighead!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You shore is got de bighead! You needn' come dis way.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We's good enough fer you, Sir! You, Sir! You, Sir!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We's good enough fer you, Sir!" dem yaller gals all say.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"De fairest one dat I can see, dat I can see, dat I can see,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De fairest one dat I can see," said Tidlum Tidelum Day.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"My Lulu, come an' wa'k wid me, wa'k wid me, wa'k wid me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My Lulu, come an' wa'k wid me. 'Miss Tidlum Tidelum Day.'"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 87 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ANCHOR LINE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se gwine out on de Anchor Line, Dinah!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I won't git back 'fore de summer time, Dinah!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en I come back be "dead in line,"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter bring you a dollar an' a dime,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Shore as I gits in from de Anchor Line, Dinah!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you loves me lak I loves you, Dinah!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No Coon can cut our love in two, Dinah!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you'll jes come an' go wid me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Come go wid me to Tennessee,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Come go wid me; I'll set you free,&mdash;Dinah!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SALLIE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sallie! Sallie! don't you want to marry?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sallie! Sallie! do come an' tarry!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sallie! Sallie! Mammy says to tell her when.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sallie! Sallie! She's gwineter kill dat turkey hen!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sallie! Sallie! When you goes to marry,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(<ins class="correction" title="original missing !">Sallie!</ins> Sallie!) Marry a fahmin man(!)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Sallie! Sallie!) Ev'ry day'll be Mond'y,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Sallie! Sallie!) Wid a hoe-handle in y&#333;' han'!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 88 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a>
SONG TO THE RUNAWAY SLAVE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Go 'way from dat window, "My Honey, My Love!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go 'way from dat window! I say.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De baby's in de bed, an' his mammy's lyin' by,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But you cain't git y&#333;' lodgin' here.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Go 'way from dat window, "My Honey, My Love!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go 'way from dat window! I say;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer ole Mosser's got 'is gun, an' to Miss'ip' youse been s&#333;l';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So you cain't git y&#333;' lodgin' here.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Go 'way from dat window, "My Honey, My Love!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go 'way from dat window! I say.</span><!-- Page 89 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span><br />
<span class="i0">De baby keeps a-cryin'; but you'd better un'erstan'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat you cain't git y&#333;' lodgin' here.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Go 'way from dat window, "My Honey, My Love!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go 'way from dat window! I say;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer de Devil's in dat man, an' you'd better un'erstan'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat you cain't git y&#333;' lodgin' here.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> The story went among Negroes that a runaway slave husband
returned every night, and knocked on the window of his wife's cabin to
get food. Other slaves having betrayed the secret that he was still in
the vicinity, he was sold in the woods to a slave trader at reduced
price. This trader was to come next day with bloodhounds to hunt him
down. On the night after the sale, when the runaway slave husband
knocked, the slave wife pinched their baby to make it cry. Then she sang
the above song (as if singing to the baby), so that he might, if
possible, effect his escape.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DOWN IN THE LONESOME GARDEN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hain't no use to weep, hain't no use to moan;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Down in a lonesome gyardin.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You cain't git no meat widout pickin' up a bone,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Down in a lonesome gyardin.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Look at dat gal! How she puts on airs,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Down in de lonesome gyardin!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But whar did she git dem closes she w'ars,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Down in de lonesome gyardin?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">It hain't gwineter rain, an' it hain't gwineter snow;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Down in my lonesome gyardin.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You hain't gwinter eat in my kitchen doo',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nor down in my lonesome gyardin.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 90 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LITTLE SISTER, WON'T YOU MARRY ME?</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Liddle sistah in de barn, jine de weddin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Youse de sweetest liddle couple dat I ever did see.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh Love! Love! Ahms all 'round me!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Say, liddle sistah, won't you marry me?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh step back, gal, an' don't you come a nigh me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid all dem sassy words dat you say to me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh Love! Love! Ahms all 'roun' me!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh liddle sistah, won't you marry me?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>RAISE A "RUCUS" TO-NIGHT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Two liddle Niggers all dressed in white, (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Want to go to Heaben on de tail of a kite. (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De kite string broke; dem Niggers fell; (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whar dem Niggers go, I hain't gwineter tell. (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 91 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span><span class="i0">A Nigger an' a w'ite man a playin' seben up; (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Nigger beat de w'ite man, but '&#275;'s skeered to pick it up. (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Nigger grabbed de money, an' de w'ite man fell. (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">How de Nigger run, I'se not gwineter tell. (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Look here, Nigger! Let me tell you a naked fac'; (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You mought a been cullud widout bein' dat black; (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem 'ar feet look lak youse sh&#333;' walkin' back; (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' y&#333;' ha'r, it look lak a chyarpet tack. (Raise a rucus to-night.)<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i2">Oh come 'long, chilluns, come 'long,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">W'ile dat moon are shinin' bright.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Let's git on board, an' float down de river,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' raise dat rucus to-night.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 92 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SWEET PINKS AND ROSES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sweet pinks an' roses, strawbeers on de vines,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Call in de one you loves, an' kiss 'er if you minds.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here sets a pretty gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Here sets a pretty boy;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Cheeks painted rosy, an' deir eyes battin' black.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You kiss dat pretty gal, an' I'll stan' back.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 93 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p>

<h3>Pastime Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SATAN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De Lawd made man, an' de man made money.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Lawd made de bees, an' de bees made honey.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Lawd made ole Satan, an' ole Satan he make sin.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den de Lawd, He make a liddle hole to put ole Satan in.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Did you ever see de Devil, wid his iron handled shovel,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A scrapin' up de san' in his ole tin pan?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He cuts up mighty funny, he steals all y&#333;' money,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He blinds you wid his san'. He's tryin' to git you, man!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>JOHNNY BIGFOOT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Johnny, Johnny Bigfoot!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Want a pair o' shoes?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go kick two cows out'n deir skins.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Run Brudder, tell de news!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 94 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE THRIFTY SLAVE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jes wuk all day,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den go huntin' in de wood.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ef you cain't ketch nothin',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den you hain't no good.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Don't look at Mosser's chickens,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze dey're roostin' high.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Big pig, liddle pig, root hog or die!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WILD NEGRO BILL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se wild Nigger Bill<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Frum Redpepper Hill.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I never did wo'k, an' I never will.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se done killed de Boss.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se knocked down de hoss.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I eats up raw goose widout apple sauce!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se Run-a-way Bill,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I knows dey mought kill;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But ole Mosser hain't cotch me, an' he never will!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 95 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>YOU LOVE YOUR GIRL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You loves y&#333;' gal?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Well, I loves mine.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Y&#333;' gal hain't common?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Well, my gal's fine.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I loves my gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She hain't no goose&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Blacker 'an blackberries,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sweeter 'an juice.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FRIGHTENED AWAY FROM A CHICKEN-ROOST</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I went down to de hen house on my knees,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I thought I heared dat chicken sneeze.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'd oughter seed dis Nigger a-gittin' 'way frum dere,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But 'twusn't nothin' but a rooster sayin' his prayer.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">How I wish dat rooster's prayer would en',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den perhaps I mought eat dat ole gray hen.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 96 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BEDBUG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De June-bug's got de golden wing,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Lightning-bug de flame;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Bedbug's got no wing at all,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But he gits dar jes de same.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De Punkin-bug's got a punkin smell,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Squash-bug smells de wust;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But de puffume of dat ole Bedbug,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's enough to make you bust.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Wen dat Bedbug come down to my house,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wants my walkin' cane.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go git a pot an' scald 'im hot!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Good-by, Miss Lize Jane!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HOW TO GET TO GLORY LAND</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to git to Glory Land,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll tell you what to do:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes grease y&#333;' heels wid mutton sue,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en de Devil's atter you.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes grease y&#333;' heel an' grease y&#333;' han',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' slip 'way&mdash;over into Glory Lan'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 97 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DESTITUTE FORMER SLAVE OWNERS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Missus an' Mosser a-walkin' de street,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Deir han's in deir pockets an' nothin' to eat.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She'd better be home a-washin' up de dishes,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' a-cleanin' up de ole man's raggitty britches.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He'd better run 'long an' git out de hoes<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' clear out his own crooked weedy corn rows;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Kingdom is come, de Niggers is free.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hain't no Nigger slaves in de Year Jubilee.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FATTENING FROGS FOR SNAKES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You needn' sen' my gal hoss apples<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You needn' sen' her 'lasses candy;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She would keer fer de lak o' you,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ef you'd sen' her apple brandy.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'y don't you git some common sense?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes git a liddle! Oh fer land sakes!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Quit y&#333;' foolin', she hain't studyin' you!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Youse jes fattenin' frogs fer snakes!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 98 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE MULE'S KICK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Is dis me, or not me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Or is de Devil got me?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wus dat a muskit shot me?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Is I laid here more'n a week?&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat ole mule do kick amazin',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I 'spec's he's now a-grazin'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">On de t'other side de creek.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CHRISTMAS TURKEY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I prayed to de Lawd fer tucky-o.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat tucky wouldn' come.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I prayed, an' I prayed 'til I'se almos' daid.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No tucky at my home.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Chrismus Day, she almos' here;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My wife, she mighty mad.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She want dat tucky mo' an' mo'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she want 'im mighty bad.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I prayed 'til de scales come on my knees,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' still no tucky come.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I tuck myse'f to my tucky roos',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I brung my tucky home.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 99 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A FULL POCKETBOOK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De goose at de barn, he feel mighty funny,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze de duck find a pocketbook chug full o' money.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De goose say: "Whar is you gwine, my Sonny?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de duck, he say: "Now good-by, Honey."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De duck chaw terbacker an' de goose drink wine,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid a stuffed pocketbook dey sh&#333;' had a good time;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De grasshopper played de fiddle on a punkin vine<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Till dey all fall over on a sorter dead line.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>NO ROOM TO POKE FUN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nev' m&#299;n' if my nose are flat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' my face are black an' sooty;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Jaybird hain't so big in song,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de Bullfrog hain't no beauty.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CROOKED NOSE JANE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I courted a gal down de lane.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Her name, it wus Crooked Nose Jane.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Her face wus white speckled, her lips wus all red,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she look jes as lean as a weasel half-fed.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 100 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BAD FEATURES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Blue gums an' black eyes;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Run 'round an' tell lies.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Liddle head, liddle wit;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Big long head, not a bit.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Wid his long crooked toes,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' his heel right roun';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat flat-footed Nigger<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Make a hole in de groun'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MISS SLIPPY SLOPPY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Miss Slippy Sloppy jump up out'n bed,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den out'n de winder she poke 'er nappy head,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Jack! O Jack! De gray goose's dead.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat fox done gone an' bit off 'er head!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jack run up de hill an' he call Mosser's hounds;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' w'en dat fox hear dem turble sounds,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He sw'ar by his head an' his hide all 'round,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat he don't want no dinner, but a hole in de ground.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 101 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HOW TO MAKE IT RAIN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Go kill dat snake an' hang him high,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den tu'n his belly to de sky.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De storm an' rain'll come bye an' bye.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A WIND-BAG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">A nigger come a-struttin' up to me las' night;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In his han' wus a walkin' cane,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He tipped his hat an' give a low bow;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Howdy-doo! Miss Lize Jane!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But I didn' ax him how he done,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Which make a hint good pinned,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat I'd druther have a paper bag,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">When it's sumpin' to be filled up wid wind.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GOING TO BE GOOD SLAVES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Mosser an' Missus has gone down to town,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey said dey'd git us somethin' an' dat hain't no jokes.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter be good all de whilst dey're all 'way,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I'se gwineter wear stockin's jes lak de white folks.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 102 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a>PAGE'S GEESE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole man Page'll be in a turble rage,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he find out, it'll raise his dander.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yankee soldiers bought his geese, fer one cent a-piece,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' sent de pay home by de gander.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> The Northern soldiers during the Civil War took all of a
Southern planter's geese except one lone gander. They put one penny, for
each goose taken, into a small bag and tied this bag around the gander's
neck. They then sent him home to his owner with the pay of one penny for
each goose taken. The Negroes of the community at once made up this
little song.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TO WIN A YELLOW GIRL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to win a yaller gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I tell you what you do;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You "borrow" Mosser's Beaver hat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' slip on his Long-tailed Blue.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SEX LAUGH</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You'se heared a many a gal laugh,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' say: "He! He-he! He-he-he!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But you hain't heared no boy laugh,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' say: "She! She-she! She-she-she!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 103 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>OUTRUNNING THE DEVIL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I went upon de mountain,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I seed de Devil comin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I retched an' got my hat an' coat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I beat de Devil runnin'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">As I run'd down across de fiel',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A rattlesnake bit me on de heel.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I rears an' pitches an' does my bes',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I falls right back in a hornet's nes'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">For w'en I wus a sinnah man,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I rund by leaps an' boun's.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wus afeard de Devil 'ould ketch me<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid his ole three legged houn's.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But now I'se come a Christun,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I kneels right down an' prays,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' den de Devil runs from me&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se tried dem other ways.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 104 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HOW TO KEEP OR KILL THE DEVIL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to see de Devil smile,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Simpully do lak his own chile.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to see de Devil git spunk,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Swallow whisky, an' git drunk.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to see de Devil live,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Cuss an' swar an' never give.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to see de Devil run,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes tu'n a loose de Gospel gun.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to see de Devil fall,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hit him wid de Gospel ball.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to see de Devil beg,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nail him wid a Gospel peg.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to see de Devil sick,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Beat him wid a Gospel stick.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to see de Devil die,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Feed him up on Gospel pie.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But de Devil w'ars dat iron shoe,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' if you don't watch, he'll slip it on you.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 105 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>JOHN HENRY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">John Henry, he wus a steel-drivin' man.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He died wid his hammer in his han'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">O come long boys, an' line up de track,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">For John Henry, he hain't never comin' back.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">John Henry said to his Cappun: "Boss,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A man hain't nothin' but a man,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' 'fore I'll be beat in dis sexion gang,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll die wid a hammer in my han'."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">John Henry, he had a liddle boy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He helt 'im in de pam of his han';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de las' word he say to dat chile wus:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I wants you to be my steel-drivin' man."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">John Henry, he had a pretty liddle wife,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' her name, it wus Polly Ann.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She walk down de track, widout lookin' back,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">For to see her big fine steel-drivin' man.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">John Henry had dat pretty liddle wife,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she went all dress up in red.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She walk ev'y day down de railroad track<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To de place whar her steel-drivin' man fell dead.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 106 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a>THE NASHVILLE LADIES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dem Nashville ladies dress up fine.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Got longpail hoopskirts hanging down beh&#299;n'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Got deir bonnets to deir shoulders an' deir noses in de sky!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Big pig! Liddle pig! Root hog, or die!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> The name of the place was used where the rhyme was
repeated.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE RASCAL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se de bigges' rascal fer my age.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I now speaks from dis public stage.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se stole a cow; I'se stole a calf,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat hain't more 'an jes 'bout half.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes, Mosser!&mdash;Lover of my soul!&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"How many chickens has I stole?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Well; three las' night, an' two night befo';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I'se gwine 'fore long to git four m&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But you see dat hones' Billy Ben,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He done e't more dan erry three men.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He e't a ham, den e't a side;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He would a e't m&#333;', but you know he died.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 107 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>COFFEE GROWS ON WHITE FOLKS' TREES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Coffee grows on w'ite folks' trees,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But de Nigger can git dat w'en he please.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De w'ite folks loves deir milk an' brandy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But dat black gal's sweeter dan 'lasses candy.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Coffee grows on w'ite folks trees,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dere's a river dat runs wid milk an' brandy.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De rocks is broke an' filled wid gold,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So dat yaller gal loves dat high-hat dandy.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>AUNT JEMIMA</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Aunt Jemima grow so tall,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat she couldn' see de groun'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She stumped her toe, an' down she fell<br /></span>
<span class="i0">From de Blackwoods clean to town.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en Aunt Jemima git in town,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' see dem "tony" ways,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She natchully faint an' back she fell<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To de Backwoods whar she stays.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 108 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE MULE'S NATURE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you sees a mule tied up to a tree,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You mought pull his tail an' think about me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">For if a Nigger don't know de natcher of a mule,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It makes no diffunce what 'comes of a fool.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I'M A "ROUND-TOWN" GENTLEMAN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I hain't no wagon, hain't no dray,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes come to town wid a load o' hay.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't no cornfield to go to bed<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid a lot o' hay-seeds in my head.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se a "round-town" Gent an' I don't choose<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To wuk in de mud, an' do widout shoes.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THIS SUN IS HOT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dis sun are hot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dis hoe are heavy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dis grass grow furder dan I can reach;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' as I looks<br /></span>
<span class="i0">At dis Cotton fiel',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I thinks I mus' 'a' been called to preach.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 109 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>UNCLE JERRY FANTS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Has you heared 'bout Uncle Jerry Fants?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He's got on some cu'ious shapes.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He's de one what w'ars dem white duck pants,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he sot down on a bunch o' grapes.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>KEPT BUSY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jes as soon as de sun go down,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My True-love's on my min'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' jes as soon as de daylight breaks<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De white folks is got me a gwine.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">She's de sweetes' thing in town;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' when I sees dat Nig,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She make my heart go "pitty-pat,"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' my head go "whirly-gig."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CROSSING A FOOT-LOG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Me an' my wife an' my bobtail dog<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Start 'cross de creek on a hick'ry log.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We all fall in an' git good wet,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I helt to my liddle brown jug, you bet!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 110 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WATERMELON PREFERRED</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat hambone an' chicken are sweet.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat 'possum meat are sholy fine.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But give me,&mdash;now don't you cheat!&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Oh, I jes wish you would give me!)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat watermillion, smilin' on de vine.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>"THEY STEAL" GOSSIP</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>You know:</i><br /></span>
<span class="i2">Some folks say dat a Nigger won't steal,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">But Mosser cotch six in a watermillion fiel';<br /></span>
<span class="i2">A-cuttin', an' a-pluggin' an' a-tearin' up de vines,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">A-eatin' all de watermillions, an' a-stackin' up de rinds.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Uh-huh! Yes, I heared dat:</i><br /></span>
<span class="i2">Ole Mosser stole a middlin' o' meat,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Ole Missus stole a ham;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Dey sent 'em bofe to de Wuk-house,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' dey had to leave de land.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 111 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FOX AND RABBIT DRINKING PROPOSITIONS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Fox on de low ground,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Rabbit on de hill.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Says he: "I'll take a drink,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' leave you a gill."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De fox say: "Honey,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(You sweet liddle elf!)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes hand me down de whole cup;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wants it fer myself."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A TURKEY FUNERAL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dis tucky once on earth did dwell;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' "Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But now he gives me bigges' joy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' rests from all his trouble.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes, now he's happy, so am I;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No hankerin' fer a feas':<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Because I'se stuffed wid tucky meat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he struts in tucky peace.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 112 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>OUR OLD MULE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">We had an ole mule an' he wouldn' go "gee";<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So I knocked 'im down wid a single-tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To daddy dis wus some mighty bad news,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So he made me jump up an' outrun de Jews.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE COLLEGE OX</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Ox! Ole Ox! How'd you come up here?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'se sh&#333;' plowed de cotton fields for many a, many a year.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'se been kicked an' cuffed about wid heaps an' heaps abuse.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now! Now, you comes up here fer some sort o' College use.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CARE IN BREAD-MAKING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en you sees dat gal o' mine,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes tell 'er fer me, if you please,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nex' time she goes to make up bread<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To roll up 'er dirty sleeves.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 113 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WHY LOOK AT ME?</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">What's you lookin' at me fer?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I didn' come here to stay.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wants dis bug put in y&#333;' years,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' den I'se gwine away.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se got milk up in my bucket,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se got butter up in my bowl;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I hain't got no Sweetheart<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer to save my soul.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A SHORT LETTER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">She writ me a letter<br /></span>
<span class="i0">As long as my eye.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she say in dat letter:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"My Honey!&mdash;Good-by!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DOES MONEY TALK?</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dem whitefolks say dat money talk.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If it talk lak dey tell,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den ev'ry time it come to Sam,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It up an' say: "Farewell!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 114 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I'LL EAT WHEN I'M HUNGRY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'll eat when I'se hongry,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I'll drink when I'se dry;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' if de whitefolks don't kill me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll live till I die.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">In my liddle log cabin,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ever since I'se been born;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dere hain't been no nothin'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Cept dat hard salt parch corn.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But I knows whar's a henhouse,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de tucky he charve;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' if ole Mosser don't kill me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I cain't never starve.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HEAR-SAY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hello! Br'er Jack. How do you do?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se been a-hearin' a heaps o' things 'bout you.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll jes declar! It beats de Dickuns!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey's been tryin' to say you's been a-stealin' chickens!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 115 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>NEGRO SOLDIER'S CIVIL WAR CHANT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole <a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a>Abe (God bless 'is ole soul!)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Got a plenty good victuals, an' a plenty good clo'es.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Got powder, an' shot, an' lead,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To bust in Adam's liddle Confed'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In dese hard times.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh, once dere wus union, an' den dere wus peace;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De slave, in de cornfield, bare up to his knees.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But de Rebel's in gray, an' Sesesh's in de way,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de slave'll be free<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In dese hard times.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> Abraham Lincoln.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PARODY ON "NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP"</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Uh-huh: "Now I lays me down to sleep!"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">While dead oudles o' bedbugs 'round me creep,&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Well: If dey bites me bef&#333;' "I" wake,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hopes "deir" ole jawbones'll break.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 116 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I'LL GET YOU, RABBIT!</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Rabbit! Rabbit! You'se got a mighty habit,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-runnin' through de grass,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Eatin' up my cabbages;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I'll git you shore at las'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Rabbit! Rabbit! Ole rabbit in de bottoms,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-playin' in de san',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">By to-morrow mornin',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'll be in my fryin' pan.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE ELEPHANT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My mammy gimme fifteen cents<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer to see dat elephan' jump de fence.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He jump so high, I didn' see why,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If she gimme a dollar he mought not cry.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">So I axed my mammy to gimme a dollar,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer to go an' hear de elephan' holler.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He holler so loud, he skeered de crowd.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nex' he jump so high, he tetch de sky;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he won't git back 'fore de fo'th o' July.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 117 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A FEW NEGROES BY STATES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Alabammer Nigger say he love mush.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Tennessee Nigger say: "Good Lawd, hush!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Fifteen cents in de panel of de fence,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">South Ca'lina Nigger hain't got no sense.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Kentucky Nigger jes think he's fine,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Cause he drink dat Gooseberry wine.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se done heared some twenty year ago<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat de Missippi Nigger hafter sleep on de fl&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Lousanner Nigger fall out'n de bed,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' break his head on a pone o' co'n bread.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HOW TO PLEASE A PREACHER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you wants to see dat Preachah laugh,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes change up a dollar, an' give 'im a half.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you wants to make dat Preachah sing,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Kill dat tucky an' give him a wing.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you wants to see dat Preachah cry,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Kill dat chicken an' give him a thigh.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 118 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LOOKING FOR A FIGHT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I went down town de yudder night,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-raisin' san' an' a-wantin' a fight.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Had a forty dollar razzer, an' a gatlin' gun,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer to shoot dem Niggers down one by one.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I'LL WEAR ME A COTTON DRESS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh, will you wear red? Oh, will you wear red?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh, will you wear red, Milly Biggers?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I won't wear red,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's too much lak Missus' head.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll wear me a cotton dress,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh, will you wear blue? Oh, will you wear blue?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh, will you wear blue, Milly Biggers?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I won't wear blue,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's too much lak Missus' shoe.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll wear me a cotton dress,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 119 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span><span class="i0">You sholy would wear gray? You sholy would wear gray?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You sholy would wear gray, Milly Biggers?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I won't wear gray,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's too much lak Missus' way.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll wear me a cotton dress,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Well, will you wear white? Well, will you wear white?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Well, will you wear white, Milly Biggers?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I won't wear white,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'd get dirty long 'fore night.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll wear me a cotton dress,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dyed wid copperse an' oak-bark."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Now, will you wear black? Now, will you wear black?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now, will you wear black, Milly Biggers?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I mought wear black,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Case it's de color o' my back;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' it looks lak my cotton dress,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dyed wid <a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a>copperse an' oak-bark."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Copperse is copperas, or sulphate of iron.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 120 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HALF WAY DOINGS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My dear Brudders an' Sisters,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">As I comes here to-day,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't gwineter take no scripture verse<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer what I'se gwineter say.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My words I'se gwineter cut off short<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I 'spects to use dis tex':<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Dis half way doin's hain't no 'count<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer dis worl' nor de nex'."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dis half way doin's, Brudderin,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Won't never do, I say.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go to y&#333;' wuk, an' git it done,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' den's de time to play.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Fer w'en a Nigger gits lazy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' stops to take short naps,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De weeds an' grass is shore to grow<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' smudder out his craps.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dis worl' dat we's a livin' in<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Is sumpen lak a cotton row:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whar each an' ev'ry one o' us<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Is got his row to hoe.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 121 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span><span class="i0">An' w'en de cotton's all laid by,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De rain, it spile de bowls,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you don't keep busy pickin'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In de cotton fiel' of y&#333;' souls.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Keep on a-plowin', an' a-hoein';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Keep on scrapin' off de rows;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' w'en de year is over<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You can pay off all you owes.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But w'en you sees a lazy Nigger<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Stop workin', shore's you're born,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'se gwineter see him comin' out<br /></span>
<span class="i0">At de liddle end of de horn.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TWO TIMES ONE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Two times one is two.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Won't you jes keep still till I gits through?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Three times three is nine.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You 'tend to y&#333;' business, an' I'll 'tend to mine.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 122 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HE PAID ME SEVEN (PARODY)</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Our Fadder, Which are in Heaben!"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">White man owe me leben and pay me seben.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"D'y Kingdom come! D'y Will be done!"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' if I hadn't tuck dat, I wouldn' git none.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PARODY ON "REIGN, MASTER JESUS, REIGN!"</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh rain! Oh rain! Oh rain, "good" Mosser!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Rain, Mosser, rain! Rain hard!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Rain flour an' lard an' a big hog head<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Down in my back yard.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">An' w'en you comes down to my cabin,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Come down by de corn fiel'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you cain't bring me a piece o' meat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den bring me a peck o' meal.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh rain! Oh rain! Oh rain, "good" Mosser!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat good rain gives m&#333;' rest.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"What d'you say? You Nigger, dar!"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Wet ground grows grass best."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 123 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A REQUEST TO SELL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Gwineter ax my daddy to sell ole Rose,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So's I can git me some new cl&#333;'s.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Gwineter ax my daddy to sell ole Nat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So's I can git a bran' new hat.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Gwineter ax my daddy to sell ole Bruise,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den I can git some Brogran shoes.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now, I'se gwineter fix myse'f "jes so,"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' take myse'f down to Big Shiloh.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwine right down to Big Shiloh<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To take dat t'other Nigger's beau.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WE'LL STICK TO THE HOE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">We'll stick to de hoe, till de sun go down.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We'll rise w'en de rooster crow,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' go to de fiel' whar de sun shine hot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, Chilluns, we'll all go!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We'll go to de fiel' whar de sun shine hot.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 124 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span><span class="i0">Oh, sing 'long boys, fer de wuk hain't hard!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh scrape an' clean up de row.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer de grass musn' grow, while de sun shine hot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No, Chilluns. No, No!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat grass musn' grow, while de sun shine hot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Don't think 'bout de time, fer de time hain't long.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Y&#333;' life soon come an' go;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den good-bye fiel' whar de sun shine hot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, Chilluns. We'll all go!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Good-by to de fiel' whar de sun shine hot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To de fiel' whar de sugar cane grow.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A FINE PLASTER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en it's sheep skin an' beeswax,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It sh&#333;'s a mighty fine plaster:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De m&#333;' you tries to pull it off,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De m&#333;' it sticks de faster.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 125 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A DAY'S HAPPINESS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Fust: I went out to milk an' I didn' know how,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I milked dat goat instid o' dat cow;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">While a Nigger a-settin' wid a gapin' jaw,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Kept winkin' his eye at a tucky in de straw.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Den:  &nbsp;I went out de gate an' I went down de road,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' I met Miss 'Possum an' I met Mistah Toad;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' ev'y time Miss 'Possum 'ould sing,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Mistah Toad 'ould cut dat Pigeon's Wing.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But: &nbsp;I went in a whoop, as I went down de road;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I had a bawky team an' a heavy load.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I cracked my whip, an' ole Beck sprung,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' she busted out my wagin tongue.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Well: Dat night dere 'us a-gittin' up, shores you're born.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">&nbsp;De louse go to supper, an' de flea blow de horn.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">&nbsp;Dat raccoon paced, an' dat 'possum trot;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">&nbsp;Dat ole goose laid, an' de gander sot.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 126 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MASTER KILLED A BIG BULL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mosser killed a big bull,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Missus cooked a dish full,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Didn't give poor Nigger a mouf full.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Humph! Humph!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mosser killed a fat lam'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Missus brung a basket,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' give poor Nigger de haslet.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Eh-eh! Eh-eh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mosser killed a fat hog<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Missus biled de middlin's,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' give poor Nigger de chitlin's.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Sh&#333;! Sh&#333;!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>YOU HAD BETTER MIND MASTER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Way down yon'er in 'Possum Trot,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(In ole Miss'sip' whar de sun shines hot)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dere hain't no chickens an' de Niggers eats c'on;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You hain't never see'd de lak since youse been bo'n,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'd better m&#299;n' Mosser an' keep a stiff lip,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So's you won't git s&#333;l' down to ole Miss'sip'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 127 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p>

<h3>Love Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PRETTY LITTLE PINK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My pretty liddle Pink,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I once did think,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat we-uns sh&#333;' would marry;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I'se done give up,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hain't got no hope,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't got no time to tarry.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll drink coffee dat flows,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">From oaks dat grows,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Long de river dat flows wid brandy.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A BITTER LOVERS' QUARREL&mdash;ONE SIDE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You nasty dog! You dirty hog!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You thinks somebody loves you.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I tells you dis to let you know<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I thinks myse'f above you.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 128 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ROSES RED</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Rose's red, vi'lets blue.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sugar is sweet but not lak you.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De vi'lets fade, de roses fall;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But you gits sweeter, all in all.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">As shore as de grass grows 'round de stump,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You is my darlin' Sugar Lump.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en de sun don't shine de day is cold,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But my love fer you do not git old.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De ocean's deep, de sky is blue;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sugar is sweet, an' so is you;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De ocean waves an' de sky gits pale,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But my love are true, an' it never fail.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>YOU HAVE MADE ME WEEP</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You'se made me weep, you'se made me mourn,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'se made me tears an' sorrow.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So far' you well, my pretty liddle gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwine away to-morrow.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 129 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MOURNING SLAVE FIANCEES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Look down dat lonesome road! Look down!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De way are dark an' c&#333;l'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey makes me weep, dey makes me mourn;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All 'cause my love are s&#333;l'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">O don't you see dat turkle dove,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What mourns from vine to vine?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She mourns lak I moans fer my love,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Lef' many a mile behin'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DO I LOVE YOU?</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Does I love you wid all my heart?&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I loves you wid my liver;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' if I had you in my mouf,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'd spit you in de river.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LOVERS' GOOD-NIGHT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Cotton fields white in de bright moonlight,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now kiss y&#333;' gal' an' say "Good-night."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If she don't kiss you, jes go on 'way;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hain't no need a-stayin' ontel nex' day.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 130 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>VINIE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I loves coffee, an' I loves tea.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I axes you, Vinie, does you love me?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My day's study's Vinie, an' my midnight dreams,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My apples, my peaches, my tunnups, an' greens.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh, I wants dat good 'possum, an' I wants to be free;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I don't need no sugar, if Vinie love me.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De river is wide, an' I cain't well step it.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I loves you, dear Vinie; an' you know I cain't he'p it.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat sugar is sweet, an' dat butter is greasy;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I loves you, sweet Vinie; don't be oneasy.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Some loves ten, an' some loves twenty,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I loves you, Vinie, an' dat is a plenty.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh silver, it shine, an' lakwise do tin.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De way I loves Vinie, it mus' be a sin.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Well, de cedar is green, an' so is de pine.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">God bless you, Vinie! I wish you 'us mine.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 131 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p>

<h3>Love Song Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SHE HUGGED ME AND KISSED ME</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I see'd her in de Springtime,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I see'd her in de Fall,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I see'd her in de Cotton patch,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A cameing from de Ball.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">She hug me, an' she kiss me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She wrung my han' an' cried.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She said I wus de sweetes' thing<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat ever lived or died.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">She hug me an' she kiss me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh Heaben! De touch o' her han'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She said I wus de puttiest thing<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In de shape o' mortal man.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I told her dat I love her,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat my love wus bed-cord strong;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den I axed her w'en she'd have me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she jes say "Go long!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 132 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>IT IS HARD TO LOVE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">It's hard to love, yes, indeed 'tis.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's hard to be broke up in min'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'se all lugged up in some gal's heart,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But you hain't gwineter lug up in mine.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ME AND MY LOVER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Me an' my Lover, we fall out.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">How d'you reckon de fuss begun?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She laked licker, an' I laked fun,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat wus de way de fuss begun.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Me an' my Lover, we fall out.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'at d'you reckon de fuss wus 'bout?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She loved bitters, an' I loved kraut,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat wus w'at de fuss wus 'bout.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Me an' my Lover git clean 'part.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">How d'you reckon dat big fuss start?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She's got a gizzard, an' I'se got a heart,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat's de way dat big fuss start.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 133 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I WISH I WAS AN APPLE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh: &nbsp;&thinsp; I wish I wus an apple,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' my Sallie wus anudder.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">What a pretty match we'd be,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Hangin' on a tree togedder!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But: &nbsp; If I wus an apple,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' my Sallie wus anudder;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">We'd grow up high, close to de sky,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Whar de Niggers couldn' git 'er.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i2">We'd grow up close to de sun<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' smile up dar above;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Den we'd fall down 'way in de groun'<br /></span>
<span class="i2">To sleep an' dream 'bout love.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">And:  W'en we git through a dreamin',<br /></span>
<span class="i2">We'd bofe in Heaben wake.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">No Nigger shouldn' git my gal<br /></span>
<span class="i2">W'en 'is time come to bake.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 134 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>REJECTED BY ELIZA JANE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I went 'cross de cotton patch<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I give my ho'n a blow.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I thought I heared pretty Lizie say:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh, yon'er come my beau!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">So: I axed pretty Lizie to marry me,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' what d'you reckon she said?<br /></span>
<span class="i2">She said she wouldn' marry me,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">If ev'ybody else wus dead.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">An': As I went up de new cut road,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' she go down de lane;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Den I thought I heared somebody say:<br /></span>
<span class="i2">"Good-bye, ole Lize Jane!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Well: Jes git 'long, Lizie, my true love.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Git 'long, Miss Lizie Jane.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Perhaps you'll <a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a>sack "Ole Sour Bill"<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' git choked on "Sugar Cain."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> Sack = To reject as a lover.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 135 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p>

<h3>Courtship Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ANTEBELLUM COURTSHIP INQUIRY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(He)  Is you a flyin' lark or a settin' dove?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(She) I'se a flyin' lark, my honey Love.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(He)  Is you a bird o' one fedder, or a bird o' two?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(She) I'se a bird o' one fedder, w'en it comes to you.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(He)  Den, Mam:<br /></span>
<span class="i3">I has desire, an' quick temptation,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">To jine my fence to y&#333;' plantation.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>INVITED TO TAKE THE ESCORT'S ARM</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Miss, does you lak strawberries?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">____*____*____*____*____*____<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den hang on de vine.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">____*____*____*____*____*____<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Miss, does you lak chicken?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">____*____*____*____*____*____<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den have a wing dis time.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 136 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SPARKING OR COURTING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se heaps older dan three.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se heaps thicker dan barks;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de older I gits,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De m&#333;' harder I sparks.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I sparks fast an' hard,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">For I'se feared I mought fail.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dough I'se gittin' ole,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I don't co't lak no snail.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A CLANDESTINE LETTER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Kind Miss:  If I sent you a letter,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">By de crickets,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Through de thickets,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">How'd you answer better?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Kind Suh:   I'd sen' you a letter,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">By de mole,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Not to be t&#333;l';<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Fer dat's m&#333;' secretter.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 137 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ANTEBELLUM MARRIAGE PROPOSAL<br />
<span class="poemsub">(<i>A proposal of marriage with the answer deferred</i>)</span></h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(He)  De ocean, it's wide; de sea, it's deep.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Yes, in y&#333;' arms I begs to sleep,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Not fer one time, not fer three;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">But long as we-uns can agree.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(She) Please gimme time, Suh, to "reponder;"<br /></span>
<span class="i2">&nbsp;Please gimme time to "gargalize;"<br /></span>
<span class="i2">&nbsp;Den 'haps I'll tu'n to "cattlegog,"<br /></span>
<span class="i2">&nbsp;An' answer up 'greeable fer a s'prise.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>IF YOU FROWN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you frowns, an' I frowns,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en we goes out togedder;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den all de t'other folks aroun'<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Will say: "De rain is fallin' down<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Right in de sunshine wedder!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 138 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>"LET'S MARRY" COURTSHIP<br />
<span class="poemsub">(<i>A proposal of marriage, with a provisional acceptance</i>)</span></h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(He)  Oh Miss Lizie, how I loves you!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">My life's jes los' if you hain't true.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">If you loves me lak I loves you,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">No knife cain't cut our love in two.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(She) Grapevine warp, an' cornstalk fillin';<br /></span>
<span class="i2">&nbsp;I'll marry you if mammy an' daddy's willin'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(He)  Rabbit hop an' long dog trot!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Let's git married if dey say "not."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>COURTSHIP<br />
<span class="poemsub">(<i>A proposal of marriage with its acceptance</i>)</span></h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Kind Miss:  I'se on de stage o' action,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Pleadin' hard fer satisfaction,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Pleadin' 'fore de time-thief late;<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Darfore, Ma'm, now, <a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a>"cravenate."<br /></span>
<!-- Page 139 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i4">If I brung to you a gyarment;<br /></span>
<span class="i4">To be cut widout scissors,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">An' to be sewed widout thread;<br /></span>
<span class="i4">How (I ax you) would you make it,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Widout de needle sewin'<br /></span>
<span class="i4">An' widout de cloth spread?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Kind Suh:   I'd make dat gyarment<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Wid love from my heart,<br /></span>
<span class="i4">Wid tears on y&#333;' head;<br /></span>
<span class="i4">We never would part.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> Cravenate = consider.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>I WALKED THE ROADS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Well: I walked de roads, till de roads git muddy.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">&nbsp;I talked to dat pretty gal, till I couldn' stan' study.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Den:  I say: "Love me liddle," I say; "Love me long."<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I say: "Let dat liddle be 'doggone' strong!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">For, shore as dat rat runs 'cross de rafter,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">So shore you'se de gal, you'se de gal I'se after."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 140 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PRESENTING A HAT TO PHOEBE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sister Phoebe:  Happy wus we,<br /></span>
<span class="i6">W'en we sot under dat Juniper tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i6">Take dis hat, it'll keep y&#333;' head warm.<br /></span>
<span class="i6">Take dis kiss, it'll do you no harm.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sister Phoebe:  De hours, dey're few;<br /></span>
<span class="i6">But dis hat'll say I'se thinkin' 'bout you.<br /></span>
<span class="i6">Sugar, it's sugar; an' salt, it's salt;<br /></span>
<span class="i6">If you don't love me, it's sh&#333;' y&#333;' own fault.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WOOING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'at is dat a wukin<br /></span>
<span class="i0">At y&#333;' han' bill on de wall,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So's y&#333;' sperit, it cain't res',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' a gemmun's heat, it call?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Is you lookin' fer sweeter berries<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Growin' on a higher bush?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' does my combersation suit?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If not, w'at does you wush?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 141 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>

<h3>Courtship Song Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE COURTING BOY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I wus a liddle boy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes fifteen inches high;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De way I court de pretty gals,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It make de ole folks cry.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De geese swim in de middle pon'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De ducks fly 'cross de clover.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Run an' tell dem pretty gals,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat I'se a-comin' over.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ho! Marindie! Ho!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ho! Missindie! Ho!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ho! Malindie! Ho! my gal!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwine now to see ole Sal.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 142 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PRETTY POLLY ANN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter marry, if I can.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter marry pretty Polly Ann.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I axed Polly Ann, fer to marry me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She say she's a-lookin' fer a Nigger dat's free.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Pretty Polly Ann's jes dressed so fine!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll bet five dollars she hain't got a dime.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Pretty Polly Ann's jes a-puttin' on airs,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She won't notice me, but nobody cares.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'll drop Polly Ann, a-lookin' lak a crane;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I 'spec's I'll marry Miss Lize Jane.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 143 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p>

<h3>Marriage Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SLAVE MARRIAGE CEREMONY SUPPLEMENT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dark an' stormy may come de wedder;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I jines dis he-male an' dis she-male togedder.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Let none, but Him dat makes de thunder,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Put dis he-male an' dis she-male asunder.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I darfore 'nounce you bofe de same.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Be good, go 'long, an' keep up y&#333;' name.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De broomstick's jumped, de worl's not wide.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She's now y&#333;' own. Salute y&#333;' bride!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 144 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p>

<h3>Married Life Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE NEWLY WEDS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">First Mont': "Set down in my cabin, Honey!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nex' Mont': "Stan' up, my Pie."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Third Mont': "You go to wuk, you Wench!<br /></span>
<span class="i5">You well to wuk as I!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WHEN I GO TO MARRY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I goes to marry,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wants a gal wid money.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wants a pretty black-eyed gal<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To kiss an' call me "Honey."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Well, w'en I goes to marry,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I don't wanter git no riches.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wants a man 'bout four foot high,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So's I can w'ar de britches.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 145 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BOUGHT ME A WIFE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bought me a wife an' de wife please me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I feeds my wife un'er yon'er tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My wife go: "Row-row!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My guinea go: "Potrack!
<ins class="correction" title="original missing close quote">Potrack!"</ins><br /></span>
<span class="i0">My chicken go: "Gymsack! Gymsack!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My duck go: "Quack-quack! Quack-quack!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My dog go: "Bow-bow!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My hoss go: "Whee-whee! Whee-whee!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My cat go: "Fiddle-toe! Fiddle-toe!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WHEN I WAS A "ROUSTABOUT"</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I wus a "Roustabout," wild an' young,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I co'ted my gal wid a mighty slick tongue.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I t&#333;l' her some oncommon lies dere an' den.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I t&#333;l' her dat we'd marry, but I didn' say w'en.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 146 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span><span class="i0">So on a Mond'y mornin' I tuck her fer my wife.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Of co'se I wus 'spectin' an agreeable life.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But on a Chuesd'y mornin' she chuned up her pipe,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she 'bused me more 'an I'd been 'bused all my life.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">On a Wednesd'y evenin', as I come 'long home,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I says to myse'f dat she wus all my own;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' on a Thursd'y night I went out to de woods,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I cut me two big fine tough leatherwoods.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">So on a Frid'y mornin' w'en she roll me 'er eyes,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I retched fer my leatherwoods to give 'er a s'prise,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem long keen leatherwoods wuked mighty well,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' 'er tongue, it jes rattle lak a clapper in a bell.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">On a Sadd'y mornin' she sleep sorter late;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de las' time I see'd her, she 'us gwine out de gate.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wus feedin' at de stable, lookin' out through a crack,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she lef' my log cabin 'fore I could git back.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">On a Sund'y mornin', as I laid on my bed,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I didn' have no Nigger wife to bother my head.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now whisky an' brandy jug's my biges' bes' friend,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' my long week's wuk is about at its end.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 147 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MY FIRST AND MY SECOND WIFE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My fust liddle wife wus short an' fat.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Her face wus as black as my ole hat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Her nose all flat, an' her eyes sunk in,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat lip hang down below her chin.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Now wusn't I sorrowful in mind?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I went down to dat wife's brother;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He said: "She 'us tired. Gwineter marry 'nother."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If I ever ketches dat city Coon,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He railly mought see my razzer soon.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Den I 'spec's he'd be troubled in mind!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My nex' wife hug an' kiss me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She call me "Sugar Plum!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She throw her arms 'round me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Lak a grapevine 'round de gum!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Wusn't dat glory to my soul!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Her cheeks, dey're lak de cherry;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Cherry, it's lak de rose.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid a liddle dimple in her chin,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' a liddle tu'ned up nose!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Oh, hain't I happy in mind!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">

<!-- Page 148 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>
<span class="i0">I'se got you, Lou, now fer my wife.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Keep new Coons 'way, "My Pie!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze, if you don't, I tells you now,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat we all three mought die.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Den we'd be troubled in min'!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GOOD-BY, WIFE!</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle wife,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I didn' want to kill 'er;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So I tuck 'er by de heels,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I throwed 'er in de river.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Good-by, Wife! Good-by, Honey!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hadn' been fer you,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'd a had a liddle money."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My liddle fussy wife<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Up an' say she mus' have scissors;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' druther dan to fight,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'd a throwed 'er in three rivers.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But she crossed dem fingers, w'en she go down,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' a liddle bit later<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She walk out on de groun'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 149 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p>

<h3>Nursery Rhyme Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a>AWFUL HARBINGERS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en de big owl whoops,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de screech owl screeks,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de win' makes a howlin' sound;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You liddle wooly heads<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Had better kiver up,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze de "hants" is comin' 'round.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> This little rhyme is based upon a superstition once
current among Negroes, to the effect that bad luck would come when a
screech owl called near your home at night unless, upon hearing him, you
would stick the handle of a shovel into the fire about which you were
sitting, or would throw salt into it. The word "hant" means ghost or
spirit.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE LAST OF JACK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle dog, his name wus Jack;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He run forty mile 'fore he look back.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he look back, he fall in a crack;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he fall in a crack, he break 'is back;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat wus de las' o' poor liddle Jack.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 150 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LITTLE DOGS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle dog; his name wus Ball;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en I give him a liddle, he want it all.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle dog, his name wus Trot;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He helt up his tail, all tied in a knot.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle dog, his name wus Blue;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I put him on de road, an' he almos' flew.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle dog, his name wus Mack;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I rid his tail fer to save his back.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle dog, his name wus Rover;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he died, he died all over.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle dog, his name wus Dan;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' w'en he died, I buried 'im in de san'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MY DOG, CUFF</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle dog, his name wus Cuff;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I sent 'im to town to buy some snuff.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He drapped de bale, an' he spilt de snuff,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I guess dat speech is long enough.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 151 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SAM IS A CLEVER FELLOW</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Say! Is y&#333;' peaches ripe, my boy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' is y&#333;' apples meller?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go an' tell Miss Katie Jones<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Sam's a clever feller.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Say! Is y&#333;' cherries red, my boy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' is y&#333;' plums all yeller?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh please run tell Miss Katie Jones<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Sam's a clever feller.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE GREAT OWL'S SONG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ah-hoo-hoo? Ah-hoo-hoo? Ah-hoo-hoo&mdash;&mdash;?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' who'll cook fer Kelline, an' who'll cook fer you&mdash;&mdash;?<br /></span>
<span class="i0"><ins class="correction" title="this line and the next were indented in the original">I will cook fer myse'f, I won't cook fer you.</ins><br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo&mdash;&mdash;!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo&mdash;&mdash;!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wonder if Kelline would not cook fer Hue&mdash;&mdash;?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer dis is Big Sandy! It's Big Sandy Hue&mdash;&mdash;!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo&mdash;&mdash;!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 152 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span><span class="i0">Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-hah&mdash;&mdash;!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I thought you 'us ole Bill Jack as black as de tah.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You really must 'scuse me, my "Honey Lump Pa."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-ha-hah! Ah-hah&mdash;&mdash;!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">An' since I'se been Kelline, an' you'se Big Sandy Hue;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I will cook fer myse'f, an' I will cook fer you.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll love you forever, an' sing in de dew:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo&mdash;&mdash;!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes!&mdash;Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-hoo! Ah-hoo-all!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now, we'll cook fer ourse'fs, but who'll cook fer you all?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer Tom Dick an' his wife, fer Pete Snap an' Shoe-Awl,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Rough Shot De Shoe-boot, an' de Lawd He knows who all?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 153 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HERE I STAND</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Here I stan', raggity an' dirty;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you don't come kiss me, I'll run lak a tucky.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Here I stan' on two liddle chips,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pray, come kiss my sweet liddle lips.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Here I stan' crooked lak a horn;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't had no kiss since I'se been born.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PIG TAIL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Run boys, run!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De pig tail's done.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you don't come quick,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You won't git none.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Pig ham's dere,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Lakwise middlin's square;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But dese great big parts<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hain't no Nigger's bes' fare.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 154 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A, B, C</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">A, B, C,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Doubled down D;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se so lazy you cain't see me.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">A, B, C,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Doubled down D<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Lazy Chilluns gits hick'ry tea.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">A, B, C,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Doubled down D,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat "cat's" in de cupboard an' hid. You see?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">A, B, C,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Doubled down D,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'd better come out an' wuk lak me.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>NEGRO BAKER MAN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Patty cake! Patty cake! Nigger Baker man.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Missus an' Mosser gwineter ketch 'im if dey can.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Put de liddle Nigger in Mosser's dish pan,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' scrub 'im off good fer de ole San' Man.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 155 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>STICK-A-MA-STEW</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Stick-a-ma-stew, he went to town.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Stick-a-ma-stew, he tore 'is gown.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All dem folks what live in town<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Cain't mend dat randsome, handsome gown.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BOB-WHITE'S SONG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bob-white! Bob-white!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Is y&#333;' peas all ripe?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No&mdash;! not&mdash;! quite!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bob-white! Bob-white!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en will dey be ripe?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To-mor&mdash;! row&mdash;! might!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bob-white! Bob-white!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Does you sing at night?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No&mdash;! not&mdash;! quite!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bob-white! Bob-white!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en is de time right?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">At can&mdash;! dle&mdash;! light!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 156 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>COOKING DINNER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Go:   &nbsp;Bile dem cabbage down.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Turn dat hoecake 'round,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Cook it done an' brown.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Yes:  Gwineter have sweet taters too.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Hain't had none since las' Fall,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Gwineter eat 'em skins an' all.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CHUCK WILL'S WIDOW SONG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh nimber, nimber Will-o!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My crooked, crooked bill-o!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se settin' down right now, on<br /></span>
<span class="i2">de sweet pertater hill-o.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh nimber, nimber Will-o!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My crooked, crooked bill-o!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Two liddle naked babies, my two<br /></span>
<span class="i2">brown aigs now fill-o.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh nimber, nimber Will-o!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My crooked, crooked bill-o!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Don't hurt de liddle babies; dey<br /></span>
<span class="i2">is too sweet to kill-o.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 157 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BRIDLE UP A RAT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bridle up er rat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Saddle up er cat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' han' me down my big straw hat.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">In come de cat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Out go de rat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Down go de baby wid 'is big straw hat.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MY LITTLE PIG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You see:  I had a liddle pig,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">&nbsp;&nbsp;I fed 'im on slop;<br /></span>
<span class="i3">&nbsp;&nbsp;He got so fat<br /></span>
<span class="i3">&nbsp;&nbsp;Dat he almos' pop.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">An' den:  I tuck de liddle pig,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">&nbsp;An' I rid 'im to school;<br /></span>
<span class="i3">&nbsp;He e't ginger cake,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">&nbsp;An' it tu'n 'im a fool.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><ins class="correction" title="original reads: But he (with no extra space)">But: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He</ins> grunt de lessons,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">An' keep all de rule,<br /></span>
<span class="i3">An' he make 'em all think<br /></span>
<span class="i3">Dat he learn in de cool.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 158 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>IN A MULBERRY TREE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jes looky, looky yonder; w'at I see!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Two liddle Niggers in a Mulberry tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One cain't read, an' de t'other cain't write.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But dey bofe can smoke deir daddy's pipe.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"One ma two! One ma two!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Mulberry Witch, he <a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a>titterer too.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Big bait o' Mulberries make 'em bofe sick.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem liddle Niggers gwineter roll an' kick!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> Titterer means laugh.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ANIMAL ATTIRE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Coon, he w'ar a undershirt;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat 'Possum w'ar a gown.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Br'er Rabbit, he w'ar a overcoat<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid buttons up an' down.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mistah Gobbler's got beads 'roun' 'is nec'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mistah Pattridge's got a collar, Hun!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mistah Peacock, a fedder on his head!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But dese don't stop no gun.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 159 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ASPIRATION</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If I wus de President<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Of dese United States,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'd eat good 'lasses candy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' swing on all de gates.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ANIMAL FAIR</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Has you ever hearn tell 'bout de Animal Fair?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem birds an' beasts wus all down dere.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat jaybird a-settin' down on 'is wing!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Has you ever hearn tell about sitch a thing<br /></span>
<span class="i0">As whut 'us at dat Animal Fair?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Well, dem animals had a Fair.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem birds an' beasts wus dere.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De big Baboon,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">By de light o' de moon,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes comb up his sandy hair.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 160 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span><span class="i0">De monkey, he git drunk,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He kick up a red hot chunk.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem coals, dey 'rose;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' bu'nt 'is toes!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He clumb de Elephan's trunk.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I went down to de Fair.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem varmints all wus dere.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat young Baboon<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wunk at Miss Coon;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat curled de Elephan's hair.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De Camel den walk 'bout,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' tromped on de Elephan's snout.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Elephan' sneeze,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' fall on his knees;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat pleased all dem monk&#275;ys.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LITTLE BOY WHO COULDN'T COUNT SEVEN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count one.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought it great big fun.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 161 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span><span class="i0">Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count two.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought 'e 'us gwine through.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count three.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought de Niggers 'us free.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count f&#333;'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e jumped out on de fl&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count five.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought de dead alive.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count six.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e never did git fix!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count seben.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought he's gwine to Heaben!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 162 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MISS TERRAPIN AND MISS TOAD</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">As I went marchin' down de road,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I met Miss Tearpin an' I met Miss Toad.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' ev'ry time Miss Toad would jump,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Miss Tearpin would peep from 'hind de stump.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I axed dem ladies fer to marry me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' bofe find fault wid de t'other, you see.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"If you marries Miss Toad," Miss Tearpin said,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"You'll have to hop 'round lak you'se been half dead!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"If you combs y&#333;' head wid a Tearpin comb,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'll have to creep 'round all tied up at home."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I run'd away frum dar, my foot got bruise,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">For I didn't know zackly which to choose.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FROM SLAVERY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Chile: I come from out'n slavery,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whar de Bull-whup bust de hide;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Back dar, whar dis gineration<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Natchully widdered up an' died!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 163 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE END OF TEN LITTLE NEGROES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ten liddle Niggers, a-eatin', fat an' fine;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One choke hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' nine.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nine liddle Niggers, dey sot up too late;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One sleep hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' eight.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Eight liddle Niggers want to go to Heaben;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One sing hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' seben.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Seben liddle Niggers, a-pickin' up sticks;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One wuk hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' six.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Six liddle Niggers went out fer to drive;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mule run away wid one, an' dat lef' five.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Five liddle Niggers in a cold rain pour;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One coughed hisse'f to death, an' dat lef' four.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Four liddle Niggers, climb a' apple tree;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One fall down an' out, an' dat lef' three.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Three liddle Niggers a-wantin' sumpin new;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One, he quit de udders, an' dat lef' two.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Two liddle Niggers went out fer to run;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One fell down de bluff, an' dat lef' one.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One liddle Nigger, a-foolin' wid a gun;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Gun go off "bang!" an' dat lef' none.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 164 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE ALABAMA WAY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Way down yon'er "in de Alerbamer way,"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Niggers goes to wo'k at de peep o' de day.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De bed's too short, an' de high posts rear;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Niggers needs a ladder fer to climb up dere.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De cord's wore out, an' de bed-tick's gone.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Niggers' legs hang down fer de chickens t' roost on.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MOTHER SAYS I AM SIX YEARS OLD</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My mammy says dat I'se too young<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To go to Church an' pray;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But she don't know how bad I is<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en she's been gone away.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My mammy says I'se six years old,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My daddy says I'se seben.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat's all right how old I is,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes since I'se a gwine to Heaben.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 165 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE ORIGIN OF THE SNAKE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Up de hill an' down de level!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Up de hill an' down de level!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Granny's puppy treed de Devil.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Puppy howl, an' Devil shake!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Puppy howl, an' Devil shake!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Devil leave, an' dere's y&#333;' snake.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Mash his head; de sun shine bright!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mash his head; de sun shine
<ins class="correction" title="original reads: bright;">bright!</ins><br /></span>
<span class="i0">Tail don't die ontel it's night.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Night come on, an' sperits groan!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Night come on, an' sperits groan!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Devil come an' gits his own.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WILD HOG HUNT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nigger in de woods, a-settin' on a log;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid his finger on de trigger, an' his eyes upon de hog.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De gun say "bam!" an' de hog say "bip!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de Nigger grab dat wild hog wid all his grip.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 166 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p>
<div class="poem">

<h5>A STRANGE BROOD</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De ole hen sot on tucky aigs,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she hatch out goslin's three.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Two wus tuckies wid slender legs,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' one wus a bumblebee.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All dem hens say to one nudder:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Mighty queer chickens! See?"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE TOWN AND THE COUNTRY BIRD</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jaybird a-swingin' a two hoss plow;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Sparrer, why not you?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"W'y&mdash;! My legs so liddle an' slender, man,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se fear'd dey'd break in two."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jaybird answer: "What'd you say?&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I sometimes worms terbaccy;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I'd druther plow sweet taters too,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dan to be a ole Town Tacky!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jaybird up in de Sugar tree,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De sparrer on de groun';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De jaybird shake de sugar down,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de sparrer pass it 'roun'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 167 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span><span class="i0">De jaybird say: "Save some fer me;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I needs it w'en I bakes."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De sparrer say: "Use 'lasses, Suh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat suits fer Country-Jakes!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FROG IN A MILL (<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a>GUINEA OR EBO RHYME)</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once dere wus er frog dat lived in er mill.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He had er raker don la bottom o' la kimebo<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Kimebo, nayro, dilldo, kiro<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Stimstam, formididdle, all-a-board la rake;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid er raker don la bottom o' la kimebo.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> For explanation, read the Study in Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>STRONG HANDS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Here's y&#333;' bread, an' here's y&#333;' butter;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' here's de hands fer to make you sputter.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Tetch dese hands, w'en you wants to tetch a beaver.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If dese hands tetch you, you'll sh&#333;' ketch de fever.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dese hands Samson, good fer a row,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en dey hits you, it's "good-by cow!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 168 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TREE FROGS (GUINEA OR EBO RHYME)</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Shool! Shool! Shool! I rule!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Shool! Shool! Shool! I rule!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Shool! Shacker-rack!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I shool bubba cool.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Seller! Beller eel!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fust to ma tree'l<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Just came er bubba.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Buska! Buska-reel!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BOY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I wus a liddle boy<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I cleaned up mammy's dishes;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now I is a great big boy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wears my daddy's britches.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I can knock dat Mobile Buck<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' smoke dat corncob pipe.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I can kiss dem pretty gals,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' set up ev'ry night.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 169 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GRASSHOPPER SENSE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dere wus a liddle grasshopper<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat wus always on de jump;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' caze he never look ahead,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He wus always gittin' a bump.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Huddlety, dumpty, dumpty, dump!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mind out, or you will git a bump;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Shore as de grass grows 'round de stump<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Be keerful, my sweet Sugar Lump.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>YOUNG MASTER AND OLD MASTER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hick'ry leaves an' calico sleeves!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I tells you young Mosser's hard to please.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Young Mosser fool you, de way he grin.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De way he whup you is a sin.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De monkey's a-settin' on de end of a rail,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pickin' his tooth wid de end of his tail.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mulberry leaves an' homespun sleeves!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Better know dat ole Mosser's not easy to please.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 170 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MY SPECKLED HEN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Somebody stole my speckled hen.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey lef' me mighty p&#333;o'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ev'ry day she layed three aigs,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' Sunday she lay f&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Somebody stole my speckled hen.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She crowed at my back d&#333;'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fedders, dey shine jes lak de sun;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Niggers grudged her m&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a>De whis'lin' gal, an' de crowin' hen,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Never comes to no good en'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Stop dat whis'lin'; go on an' sing!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Member dat hen wid 'er shinin' wing.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> An old superstition.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE SNAIL'S REPLY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Snail! Snail! Come out'n o' y&#333;' shell,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Or I'll beat on y&#333;' back till you rings lak a bell.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"I do ve'y well," sayed de snail in de shell,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I'll jes take my chances in here whar I dwell."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 171 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A STRANGE FAMILY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once dere's an ole 'oman dat lived in de Wes'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She had two gals of de very bes'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One wus older dan de t'other,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">T'other's older dan her mother,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dey're all deir own gran'mother.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Can you guess?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GOOD-BY, RING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I had a liddle dog, his name wus Ring,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I tied him up to his nose wid a string.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I pulled dat string, an' his eyes tu'n blue.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Good-by, Ring! I'se done wid you."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DEEDLE, DUMPLING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Deedle, deedle, dumplin'! My boy, Pete!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He went to bed wid his dirty feet.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mammy laid a switch down on dat sheet!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Deedle, deedle, dumplin'! My boy, Pete!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 172 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BUCK AND BERRY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Buck an' Berry run a race,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Buck fall down an' skin his face.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Buck an' Berry in a stall;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Buck, he try to eat it all.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Buck, he e't too much, you see.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So he died wid choleree.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PRETTY LITTLE GIRL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Who's been here since I'se been gone?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">A pretty liddle gal wid a blue dress on.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Who'll stay here when I goes 'way?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in gray.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Who'll wait on Mistess day an' night?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in white.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Who'll be here when I'se been dead?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">A pretty liddle gal, all dressed in red.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 173 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TWO SICK NEGRO BOYS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Two liddle Niggers sick in bed,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One jumped up an' bumped his head.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en de Doctah come he simpully said:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Jes feed dat boy on shorten' bread."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">T'other liddle Nigger sick in bed,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he hear tell o' shorten' bread,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Popped up all well. He dance an' sing!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He almos' cut dat Pigeon's Wing!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GRASSHOPPER SITTING ON A SWEET POTATO VINE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Grasshopper <ins class="correction" title="original reads: a settin'">a-settin'</ins> on a sweet tater vine,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Long come a Blackbird an' nab him up behind.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Blackbird a-settin' in a sour apple tree;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hawk grab him up behind; he "Chee! Chee! Chee!"<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Big hawk a-settin' in de top of dat oak,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Start to eat dat Blackbird an' he git choke.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 174 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DOODLE-BUG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Doodle-bug! Doodle-bug! Come git sweet milk.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Doodle-bug! Doodle-bug! Come git butter.<br /></span>
<span class="i0"><ins class="correction" title="original reads: Doodle bug!">Doodle-bug!</ins> Doodle-bug! Come git co'n bread.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Doodle-bug! Doodle-bug! Come on to Supper.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a>RAW HEAD AND BLOODY BONES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Don't talk! Go to sleep!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Eyes shet an' don't you peep!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Keep still, or he jes moans:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Raw Head an' Bloody Bones!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> Repeated to restless children at night to make them lie
still and go to sleep.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MYSTERIOUS FACE WASHING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I wash my face in de watah<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat's neider rain nor run.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wipes my face on de towel<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat's neider wove nor spun.&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wash my face in de dew,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I dries it in de sun.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 175 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GO TO BED</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De wood's in de kitchen.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De hoss's in de shed.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You liddle Niggers<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Had better go to bed.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a>BUCK-EYED RABBIT! WHOOPEE!</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Squir'l, he's a cunnin' thing;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He tote a bushy tail.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He jes lug off Uncle Sambo's co'n,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' heart it on a rail.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Squir'l, he's a cunnin' thing;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' so is ole Jedge B'ar.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Br'er Rabbit's gone an' los' his tail<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Cep' a liddle bunch of ha'r.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Buckeyed Rabbit! Whoopee!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Buckeyed Rabbit! Ho!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Buckeyed Rabbit! Whoopee!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Squir'l's got a long way to go.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> The explanation of this rhyme is found in the Study in
Negro Folk Rhymes.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 176 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CAPTAIN COON</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Captain Coon's a mighty man,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He trabble atter dark;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid nothin' 'tall to 'sturb his mind,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But to hear my ole dog bark.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat 'Possum, he's a mighty man,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He trabble late at night.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He never think to climb a tree,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Till he's feared ole Rober'll bite.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GUINEA GALL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Way down yon'er in Guinea Gall,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Niggers eats de fat an' all.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Way down yon'er in de cotton fiel',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ev'ry week one peck o' meal.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Way down yon'er ole Mosser swar';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Holler at you, an' pitch, an' r'ar;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Wid cat o' nine tails,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Wid pen o' nine nails,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Tee whing, tee bing,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' ev'ry thing!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 177 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FISHING SIMON</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Simon tuck his hook an' pole,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' fished on Sunday we's been told.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fish dem water death bells ring,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Talk from out'n de water, sing&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Bait y&#333;' hook, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Drap y&#333;' line, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now ketch me, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pull me out, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Take me home, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now clean me, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Cut me up now, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now salt me, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now fry me, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dish me up now, Simon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Eat me all, Simon!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Simon e't till he wus full.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Still dat fish keep his plate fall.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Simon want no m&#333;' at all,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fish say dat he mus' eat all.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Simon's sick, so he throw up!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He give Sunday fishin' up.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 178 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A STRANGE OLD WOMAN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dere wus an ole 'oman, her name wus Nan.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She lived an 'oman, an' died a man.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De ole 'oman lived to be dried up an' cunnin';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One leg stood still, while de tother kep' runnin'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>IN '76</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Way down yonder in sebenty-six,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whar I git my jawbone fix;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All dem coon-loons eatin' wid a spoon!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll be ready fer dat Great Day soon.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>REDHEAD WOODPECKER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Redhead woodpecker: "Chip! Chip! Chee!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Promise dat he'll marry me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whar shall de weddin' supper be?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Down in de lot, in a rotten holler tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What will de weddin' supper be?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A liddle green worm an' a bumblebee,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">'Way down yonder on de holler tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Redhead woodpecker, "Chip! Chip! Chee!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 179 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>OLD AUNT KATE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jes look at Ole Aunt Kate at de gyardin gate!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">She's a good ole 'oman.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">W'en she sift 'er meal, she give me de husk;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">W'en she cook 'er bread, she give me de crust.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">She put de hosses in de stable;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">But one jump out, an' skin his nable.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes look at Ole Aunt Kate at de gyardin gate!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Still she's always late.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hurrah fer Ole Aunt Kate by de gyardin gate!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">She's a fine ole 'oman.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Git down dat sifter, take down dat tray!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Go 'long, Honey, dere hain't no udder way!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">She put on dat hoe cake, she went 'round de house.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">She cook dat 'Possum, an' she call 'im a mouse!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hurrah fer Ole Aunt Kate by de gyardin gate!<br /></span>
<span class="i2">She's a fine playmate.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>CHILDREN'S SEATING RHYME</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">You set outside, an' ketch de cow-hide.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll set in de middle, an' play de gol' fiddle.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You set 'round about, an' git scrouged out.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 180 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MY BABY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se de daddy of dis liddle black baby.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He's his mammy's onliest sweetest liddle Coon.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Got de look on de forehead lak his daddy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pretty eyes jes as big as de moon.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se de daddy of dis liddle black baby.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Yes, his mammy keep de "Sugar" rollin' over.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She feed him wid a tin cup an' a spoon;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he kick lak a pony eatin' clover.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A RACE-STARTER'S RHYME</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">One fer de money!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Two fer de show!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Three to git ready,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' four fer to go!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>NESTING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De jaybird build on a swingin' lim',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De sparrow in de gyardin;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat ole gray goose in de panel o' de fence,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de gander on de t'other side o' Jordan.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 181 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BABY WANTS CHERRIES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De cherries, dey're red; de cherries, dey're ripe;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de baby it want one.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De cherries, dey're hard; de cherries, dey're sour;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de baby cain't git none.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Jes look at dat bird in de cherry tree!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He's pickin' 'em one by one!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He's shakin' his bill, he's gittin' it fill',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' down dat th'oat dey run!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nev' mind! Bye an' bye dat bird's gwineter fly,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' mammy's gwineter make dat pie.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She'll give you a few, fer de baby cain't chew,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de Pickaninny sholy won't cry.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A PRETTY PAIR OF CHICKENS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat box-legged rooster, an' dat bow-legged hen<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Make a mighty pretty couple, not to be no kin.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey's jes lak some Niggers wearin' white folks ole britches,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey thinks dey's lookin' fine, w'en dey needs lots of stitches.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 182 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TOO MUCH WATERMELON</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dere wus a great big watermillion growin' on de vine.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dere wus a liddle ugly Nigger watchin' all de time.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' w'en dat great big watermillion lay ripenin' in de sun,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de stripes along its purty skin wus comin' one by one,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat ugly Nigger pulled it off an' toted it away,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he e't dat great big watermillion all in one single day.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He e't de rinds, an' red meat too, he finish it all trim;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' den,&mdash;dat great big watermillion up an' finish him.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BUTTERFLY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Pretty liddle butterfly, yaller as de gold,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My sweet liddle butterfly, you sh&#333;' is mighty bold.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You can dance out in de sun, you can fly up high,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But you know I'se bound to git you, yet, my liddle butterfly.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 183 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE HATED BLACKBIRD AND CROW</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Blackbird say unto de Crow:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Dat's why de white folks hates us so;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">For ever since ole Adam wus born,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's been our rule to gedder green corn."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat Blackbird say unto de Crow:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"If you's not black, den I don't know.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">White folks calls you black, but I say not;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze de kittle musn' talk about de pot."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>IN A RUSH</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Here I comes jes a-rearin' an' a-pitchin',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hain't had no kiss since I lef' de ole kitchin.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Candy, dat's sweet; dat's very, very clear;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But a kiss from y&#333;' lips would be sweeter, my dear.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TAKING A WALK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">We's a-walkin' in de green grass dust, dust, dust.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We's a-walkin' in de green grass dust.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you's jes as sweet as I thinks you to be,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'll take you by y&#333;' liddle hand to walk wid me.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 184 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>PAYING DEBTS WITH KICKS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I owes y&#333;' daddy a peck o' peas.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter pay it wid my knees.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I owes y&#333;' mammy a pound o' meat;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I'se gwineter pay dat wid my feet.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now, if I owes 'em somethin' m&#333;';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You come right back an' let me know.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Please say to dem ('fore I fergets)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I never fails to pay my debts.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GETTING TEN NEGRO BOYS TOGETHER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">One liddle Nigger boy whistle an' stew,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He whistle up anudder Nigger an' dat make two.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Two liddle Nigger boys shuck de apple tree,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Down fall anudder Nigger, an' dat make three.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Three liddle Nigger boys, a-wantin' one more,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Never has no trouble a-gittin' up four.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Four liddle Nigger boys, dey cain't drive.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey hire a Nigger hack boy, an' dat make five.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Five liddle Niggers, bein' calcullated men,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Call anudder Nigger 'piece an' dat make ten.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 185 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HAWK AND CHICKENS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hen an' chickens in a fodder stack,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mighty busy scratchin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hawk settin' off on a swingin' lim',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ready fer de catchin'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Hawk come a-whizzin' wid his bitin' mouf,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Couldn' hold hisself in.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hen, flyin' up, knock his eye clean out;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de Jaybird died a-laughin'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MUD-LOG POND</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">As I stepped down by de Mud-log pon',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I seed dat bullfrog wid his shoe-boots on.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His eyes wus glass, an' his heels wus brass;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I give him a dollar fer to let me pass.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WHAT WILL WE DO FOR BACON?</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">What will we do fer bacon now?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se shot, I'se shot de ole sandy sow!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She jumped de fence an' broke de rail;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An'&mdash;"Bam!"&mdash;I shot her on de tail.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 186 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A LITTLE PICKANINNY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Me an' its mammy is both gwine to town,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To git dis Pickaninny a liddle hat an' gown.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Don't you never let him waller on de fl&#333;'!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He's a liddle Pickaninny,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Born in ole Virginy.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mammy! Don't de baby grow?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Setch a eatin' o' de honey an' a drinkin' o' de wine!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We's gwine down togedder fer to have a good time;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' we's gwineter eat, an' drink m&#333;' an' m&#333;'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh, sweet liddle <a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a>Pickaninny,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Born in ole Virginy.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mammy! How de baby grow!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> Pickanniny appears to have been an African word used by
the early American slaves for the word baby.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a>DON'T SING BEFORE BREAKFAST</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Don't sing out 'fore Breakfast,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Don't sing 'fore you eat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Or you'll cry out 'fore midnight,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You'll cry 'fore you sleep.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> A superstition.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 187 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MY FOLKS AND YOUR FOLKS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">If you an' y&#333;' folks<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Likes me an' my folks,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Lak me an' my folks,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Likes you an' y&#333;' folks;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You's never seed folks,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Since folks 'as been folks,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Like you an' y&#333;' folks,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Lak me an' my folks.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LITTLE SLEEPING NEGROES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">One liddle Nigger a-lyin' in de bed;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His eyes shet an' still, lak he been dead.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Two liddle Niggers a-lyin' in de bed;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-snorin' an' a-dreamin' of a table spread.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Three liddle Niggers a-lyin' in de bed;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Deir heels cracked open lak shorten' bread.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Four liddle Niggers a-lyin' in de bed;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey'd better hop out, if dey wants to git fed!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 188 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MAMMA'S DARLING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Wid flowers on my shoulders,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' wid slippers on my feet;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se my mammy's darlin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Don't you think I'se sweet?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I wish I had a fourpence,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den I mought use a dime.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wish I had a Sweetheart,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To kiss me all de time.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I has apples on de table,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I has peaches on de shelf;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I wish I had a husband&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se so tired stayin' to myself.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>STEALING A RIDE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Two liddle Nigger boys as black as tar,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Tryin' to go to Heaben on a railroad chyar.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Off fall Nigger boys on a cross-tie!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey's gwineter git to Heaben shore bye-an'-bye.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 189 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WASHING MAMMA'S DISHES</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">When I wus a liddle boy<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-washin' my mammy's dishes,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I rund my finger down my th'oat<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' pulled out two big fishes!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">When I wus a liddle boy<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-wipin' my mammy's dishes,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I sticked my finger in my eye<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I sh&#333;' seed liddle fishes.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De big fish swallowed dem all up!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It put me jes a-thinkin'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All dem things looks awful cu'ous!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wonder wus I drinkin'?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WILLIE WEE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Willie, Willie, Willie Wee!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One, two, three.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you wanna kiss a pretty gal,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Come kiss me.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 190 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p>

<h5>ONE NEGRO THEME SUNG WITH "FROG WENT A-COURTING"</h5>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-frog.png" width="450" height="307" alt="Frog Went A-Courting Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>
<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-205-frog.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FROG WENT A-COURTING</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De frog went a-co'tin', he did ride. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De frog went a-co'tin', he did ride<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid a sword an' a pistol by 'is side. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">He rid up to Miss Mousie's d&#333;'. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He rid up to Miss Mousie's d&#333;',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whar he'd of'en been bef&#333;. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 191 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span><span class="i0">Says he: "Miss Mousie, is you in?" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Says he: "Miss Mousie, is you in?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh yes, Sugar Lump! I kyard an' spin." Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">He tuck dat Mousie on his knee. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He tuck dat Mousie on his knee,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he say: "Dear Honey, marry me!" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Oh Suh!" she say, "I cain't do dat." Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Oh Suh!" she say, "I cain't do dat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Widout de sayso o' uncle Rat." Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat ole gray Rat, he soon come home. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat ole gray Rat, he soon come home,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sayin': "Whose been here since I'se been gone?" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"A fine young gemmun fer to see." Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"A fine young gemmun fer to see,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' one dat axed fer to marry me." Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 192 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span><span class="i0">Dat Rat jes laugh to split his side. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat Rat jes laugh to split his side.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Jes think o' Mousie's bein' a bride!" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Nex' day, dat rat went down to town. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Nex' day dat rat went down to town,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To git up de Mousie's Weddin' gown. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"What's de bes' thing fer de Weddin' gown?" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"What's de bes' thing fer de Weddin' gown?"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Dat acorn hull, all gray an' brown!" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Whar shall de Weddin' Infar' be?" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Whar shall de Weddin' Infar' be?"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Down in de swamp in a holler tree." Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 193 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span><span class="i0">"What shall de Weddin' Infar' be?" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"What shall de Weddin' Infar' be?"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Two brown beans an' a blackeyed pea." Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Fust to come in wus de Bumblebee. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fust to come in wus de Bumblebee.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid a fiddle an' bow across his knee. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De nex' dat come wus Khyernel Wren. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De nex' dat come wus Khyernel Wren,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he dance a reel wid de Turkey Hen. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De nex' dat come wus Mistah Snake. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De nex' dat come wus Mistah Snake,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He swallowed de whole weddin' cake! Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 194 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span><span class="i0">De nex' come in wus Cap'n Flea. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De nex' come in wus Cap'n Flea,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he dance a jig fer de Bumblebee. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">An' now come in ole Giner'l Louse. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' now come in ole Giner'l Louse.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He dance a breakdown 'round de house. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De nex' to come wus Major Tick. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De nex' to come wus Major Tick,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he e't so much it make 'im sick. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey sent fer Mistah Doctah Fly. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey sent fer Mistah Doctah Fly.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Says he: "Major Tick, you's boun' to die." Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh, den crep' in ole Mistah Cat. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh, den crep' in ole Mistah Cat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' chilluns, dey all hollered, "Scat!!" Uh-huh!!! Uh-huh!!!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 195 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span><span class="i0">It give dat frog a turble fright. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It give dat frog a turble fright,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he up an' say to dem, "Good-night!" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat frog, he swum de lake aroun'. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat frog, he swum de lake aroun',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' a big black duck come gobble 'im down. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"What d'you say 'us Miss Mousie's lot?" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"What d'you say 'us Miss Mousie's lot?"&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"W'y&mdash;, she got swallered on de spot!" Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Now, I don't know no m&#333;' 'an dat. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now, I don't know no m&#333;' 'an dat.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you gits m&#333;' you can take my hat. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">An' if you thinks dat hat won't do. Uh-huh! Uh-huh!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' if you thinks dat hat won't do,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den you mought take my head 'long, too. Uh-huh!!! Uh-huh!!!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 196 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SHOO! SHOO!</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Shoo! Shoo!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What'll I do?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Run three mile an' buckle my shoe?<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">No! No!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se gwineter go,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' kill dat chicken on my fl&#333;'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh! My!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Chicken pie!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sen' fer de Doctah, I mought die.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Christmus here,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Once a year.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pass dat cider an' 'simmon beer.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FLAP-JACKS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I loves my wife, an' I loves my baby:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I loves dem flap-jacks a-floatin' in gravy.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You play dem chyards, an' make two passes:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">While I eats dem flap-jacks a-floatin' in 'lasses.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 197 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span><span class="i0">Now: in come a Nigger an' in come a bear,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In come a Nigger dat hain't got no hair.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Good-by, Nigger, go right on back,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer I hain't gwineter give you no flap-jack.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TEACHING TABLE MANNERS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Now whilst we's here 'round de table,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All you young ones git right still.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I wants to l'arn you some good manners,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So's you'll think o' Uncle Bill.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Cose we's gwineter 'scuse Merlindy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Caze she's jes a baby yit.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But it's time you udder young ones<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wus a-l'arnin' a liddle bit.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I can 'member as a youngster,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Lak you youngsters is to-day;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">How my mammy l'arnt me manners<br /></span>
<span class="i0">In a 'culiar kind o' way.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">One o' mammy's ole time 'quaintance.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(Ole Aunt Donie wus her name)<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Come one night to see my mammy.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mammy co'se 'pared fer de same.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 198 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span><span class="i0">Mammy got de sifter, Honey;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she tuck an' make up dough,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Which she tu'n into hot biscuits.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den we all git smart, you know.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">'Zerves an' biscuits on de table!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Honey, noways could I wait.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ole Aunt Donie wus a good ole 'oman,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I jes had to pass my plate.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I soon swallered down dem biscuit,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">E't 'em faster dan a shoat.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey wus a liddle tough an' knotty,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But I chawed 'em lak a goat.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Pass de biscuits, please, Mam!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Please, Mam, fer I wants some m&#333;'."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Lawd! You'd oughter seed my mammy<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Frownin' up, jes "sorter so."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Won't you pass de biscuit, please, Mam?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I said wid a liddle fear.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dere wus not but one m&#333;' lef', Sir.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mammy riz up out'n her chear.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 199 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span><span class="i0">W'en Aunt Donie lef' our house, Suh,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mammy come lak bees an' ants,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Put my head down 'twixt her knees, Suh,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Almos' roll me out'n my pants.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">She had a great big tough hick'ry,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' it help till it convince.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Frum dat day clean down to dis one,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I'se had manners ev'r since.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>MISS BLODGER</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De rats an' de mice, dey rund up stairs,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer to hear Miss Blodger say her prayers.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Now here I stan's 'fore Miss Blodger.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She 'spects to hit me, but I'se gwineter dodge her.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE LITTLE NEGRO FLY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dere's a liddle Nigger fly<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Got a pretty liddle eye;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But he don't know 'is A, B, C's.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He up an' crawl de book,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' he eben 'pears to look;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But he don't know 'is A, B, C's.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 200 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DESTINIES OF GOOD AND BAD CHILDREN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">One, two, three, f&#333;', five, six, seben;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All de good chilluns goes to Heaben.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All de bad chilluns goes below,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To <a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a>segashuate wid ole man <a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a>Joe.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">One, two, three, f&#333;', five, six, seben, eight;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All de good chilluns goes in de Pearly Gate.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But all de bad chilluns goes the Broad Road below,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To segashuate wid ole man Joe.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> Segashuate means associate with.</p></div>

<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> Read first stanza of "Sheep Shell Corn," to know of ole
man Joe.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BLACK-EYED PEAS FOR LUCK</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">One time I went a-huntin',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I heared dat 'possum sneeze.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hollered back to Susan Ann:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Put on a pot o' peas."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat good ole 'lasses candy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What makes de eyeballs shine,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid 'possum peas an' taters,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Is my dish all de time.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 201 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span><span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a>Dem black-eyed peas is lucky;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">When e't on New Year's day,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You always has sweet taters,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' 'possum come your way.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> This last stanza embodies one of the old superstitions.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a>PERIWINKLE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Pennywinkle, pennywinkle, poke out y&#333;' ho'n;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I'll give you five dollahs an' a bar'l o' co'n.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Pennywinkle! Pennywinkle! Dat gal love me?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes stick out y&#333;' ho'n all pinted to a tree.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> The Periwinkle seems to have been used as an oracle by
some Negroes in the days of their enslavement.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TRAINING THE BOY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">W'en I wus a liddle boy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes thirteen inches high,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I useter climb de table legs,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' steal off cake an' pie.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Altho' I wus a liddle boy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' tho' I wusn't high,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My mammy took dat keen switch down,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' whupped me till I cry.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 202 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span><span class="i0">Now I is a great big boy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' Mammy, she cain't do it;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">My daddy gits a great big stick,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' pulls me right down to it.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dey say: "No breakin' dishes now;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No stealin' an' no lies."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' since I is a great big boy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey 'spects me to act wise.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a>BAT! BAT!</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bat! Bat! Come un'er my hat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I'll give you a slish o' bacon.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But don't bring none y&#333;' ole bedbugs,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If you don't want to git fersaken.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> A superstition that it is good luck to catch a bat in
one's hat if he doesn't get bedbugs by so doing.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>RANDSOME TANTSOME</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Randsome Tantsome!&mdash;Gwine to de Fair?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Randsome Tantsome!&mdash;W'at you gwineter wear?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"Dem shoes an' stockin's I'se bound to wear!"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Randsome Tantsome a-gwine to de Fair.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 203 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ARE YOU CAREFUL?</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Is you keerful; w'en you goes down de street,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To see dat y&#333;' cloze looks nice an' neat?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Does you watch y&#333;' liddle step 'long de way,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' think 'bout dem words dat you say?<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>RABBIT HASH</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dere wus a big ole rabbit<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat had a mighty habit<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-settin' in my gyardin,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' eatin' all my cabbitch.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I hit 'im wid a mallet,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I tapped 'im wid a maul.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sich anudder rabbit hash,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You's never tasted 'tall.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>WHY THE WOODPECKER'S HEAD IS RED</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Bill Dillix say to dat woodpecker bird:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"W'at makes y&#333;' topknot red?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Says he: "I'se picked in de red-hot sun,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Till it's done burnt my head."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 204 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p>

<h4>BLESSINGS</h4>

<p>The chivalry of the Old South rather demanded that all friends should be
invited to partake of the meal, if they chanced to come calling about
the time of the meal hour. This ideal also pervaded the lowly slave
Negro's cabin. In order that this hospitality might not be abused, the
Negroes had a little deterrent story which they told their children.
Below are the fancied Blessings asked by the fictitious Negro family, in
the story, whose hospitality had been abused.</p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BLESSING WITH COMPANY PRESENT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh Lawd now bless an' b&#299;n' us,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' put ole Satan 'h&#299;n' us.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh let y&#333;' Sperit m&#299;n' us.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Don't let none hongry f&#299;n' us.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BLESSING WITHOUT COMPANY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh Lawd have mussy now upon us,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' keep 'way some our neighbors from us.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">For w'en dey all comes down upon us,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey eats m&#333;s' all our victuals from us.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 205 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>ANIMAL PERSECUTORS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I went up on de mountain,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To git a bag o' co'n.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat coon, he sicked 'is dog on me,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat 'possum blowed 'is ho'n.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat gobbler up an' laugh at me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat pattridge giggled out.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat peacock squall to bust 'is sides,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To see me runnin' 'bout.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FOUR RUNAWAY NEGROES&mdash;WHENCE THEY CAME</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Once f&#333;' runaway Niggers,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey met in de road.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dey ax one nudder:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whar dey come from.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den one up an' say:<br /></span>
<span class="i1">"I'se jes come down from Chapel Hill<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Whar de Niggers hain't wuked an' never will."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Den anudder up an' say:<br /></span>
<span class="i1">"I'se jes come here from Guinea Gall<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Whar dey eats de cow up, skin an' all."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 206 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span><span class="i0">Den de nex' Nigger say<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whar he done come from:<br /></span>
<span class="i1">"Dey wuked you night an' day as dey could;<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Dey never had stopped an' dey never would."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De las' Nigger say<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whar he come from:<br /></span>
<span class="i1">"De Niggers all went out to de Ball;<br /></span>
<span class="i1">De thick, de thin, de short, de tall."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">But dey'd all please set up,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes lak ole Br'er Rabbit<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en he look fer a dog.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' keep it in mind,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Whilst dey boasts 'bout deir gals<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dem t'other things:<br /></span>
<span class="i1">"Dat none deir gals wus lak Sallie Jane,<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Fer dat gal wus sweeter dan sugar cane."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 207 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p>

<h3>Wise Saying Section</h3>

<div class="poem">

<h5>LEARN TO COUNT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Naught's a naught,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Five's a figger.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All fer de white man,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">None fer de Nigger.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ten's a ten,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But it's mighty funny;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">When you cain't count good,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You hain't got no money.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE WAR IS ON</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">De boll-weevil's in de cotton,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De cut-worm's in de corn,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De Devil's in de white man;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de wah's a-gwine on.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Poor Nigger hain't got no home!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Poor Nigger hain't got no home!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 208 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>HOW TO PLANT AND CULTIVATE SEEDS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Plant: One fer de blackbird<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Two fer de crow,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Three fer de jaybird<br /></span>
<span class="i2">An' f&#333;' fer to grow.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Den: When you goes to wuk,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Don't never stand still;<br /></span>
<span class="i2">When you pull de grass,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Pull it out'n de hill.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A MAN OF WORDS</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">A man o' words an' not o' deeds,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Is lak a gyarden full o' weeds.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">De weeds 'gin to grow<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Lak a gyarden full o' snow.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">De snow 'gin to fly<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Lak a eagle in de sky.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">De sky 'gin to roar<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Lak a hammer on y&#333;' door.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">De door 'gin to crack<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Lak a hick'ry on y&#333;' back.<!-- Page 209 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span><br /></span>
<span class="i1">Y&#333;' back 'gin to smart<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Lak a knife in y&#333;' heart.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Y&#333;' heart 'gin to fail<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Lak a boat widout a sail.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">De boat 'gin to sink<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Lak a bottle full o' ink.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Dat ink, it won't write<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Neider black nor white.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat man o' words an' not o' deeds,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Is lak a gyarden full o' weeds.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>INDEPENDENT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I'se jes as innerpenunt as a pig on ice.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Gwineter git up ag'in if I slips down twice.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If I cain't git up, I can jes lie down.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I don't want no Niggers to be he'pin' me 'roun'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TEMPERANCE RHYME</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Whisky nor brandy hain't no friend to my kind.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey killed my p&#333;' daddy, an' dey troubled my mind.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sometime he drunk whisky, sometime he drunk ale;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sometime he kotch de rawhide, an' sometime de flail.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 210 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span><span class="i0">On yon'er high mountain, I'll set up dar high;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de wild geese can cheer me while passin' on by.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Go 'way, young ladies, an' let me alone;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">For you know I'se a poor boy, an' a long ways from home.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Go put up de hosses an' give 'em some hay;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But don't give me no whisky, so long as I stay.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">For whisky nor brandy hain't friend to my kind;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey killed my p&#333;' daddy, an' dey troubled my mind.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THAT HYPOCRITE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I tell you how dat hypocrite do,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He come down to my house, an' talk about you;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He talk about me, an' he talk about you;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat's de way dat hypocrite do.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I tell you how dat hypocrite pray.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He pray out loud in de hypocrite way.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He pray out loud, got a heap to say;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat's de way dat hypocrite pray.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I tell you how dat hypocrite 'ten',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He 'ten' dat he love, an' he don't love men.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He 'ten' dat he love, an' he hate Br'er Ben;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' dat's de way dat hypocrite 'ten'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 211 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DRINKING RAZOR SOUP</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">He's been drinkin' razzer soup;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat sharp Nigger, black lak ink.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If he don't watch dat tongue o' his,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Somebody'll hurt 'im 'f&#333;r' he think.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">He cain't drive de pigeons t' roost,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dough he talk so big an' smart.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hain't got de sense to tole 'em in.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Cain't more 'an drive dat ole mule chyart.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>OLD MAN KNOW-ALL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole man Know-All, he come 'round<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wid his nose in de air, turned 'way frum de ground.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">His ole woolly head hain't been combed fer a week;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It say: "Keep still, while Know-All speak."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole man Know-All's tongue, it run;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He jes know'd ev'rything under de sun.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">When you knowed one thing, he knowed m&#333;'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He 'us sharp 'nough to stick an' green 'nough to grow.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 212 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span><span class="i0">Ole man Know-All died las' week.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He got drowned in de middle o' de creek.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De bridge wus dar, an' dar to stay.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But he knowed too much to go dat way.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>FED FROM THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">I nebber starts to break my colt,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Till he's ole enough to trabble.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I nebber digs my taters up<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wen dey's only right to grabble.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">So w'en you sees me risin' up<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To structify in meetin',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You can know I'se climbed de Knowledge Tree<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' done some apple eatin'.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE TONGUE</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Got a tongue dat jes run when it walk?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It cain't talk.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Got a tongue dat can hush when it talk?&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It cain't squawk.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 213 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BRAG AND BOAST</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Brag is a big dog;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But Hold Fast, he is better.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem big black rough hands,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dey cain't write no letter.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Boast, he barks an' growls loud;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But Bulger, he hain't no shirker.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat big loud mouf Nigger,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He hain't never no worker.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SELF-CONTROL</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Befo' you says dat ugly word,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You stop an' count ten.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Den if you wants to say dat word,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Begin an' count again.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Don't have a tongue tied in de middle,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' loose frum en' to en'.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You mus' think twice, den speak once;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat <a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a>donkey cain't count ten.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> The somewhat less dignified term was more commonly used.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 214 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SPEAK SOFTLY</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Wus dat you spoke,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Or a fence rail broke?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Br'er Rabbit say to de Jay<br /></span>
<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a>W'en you don't speak sof',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Y&#333;' baits comes off;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de fish jes swim away.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> The last three lines of the rhyme was a superstition
current among antebellum Negroes.</p></div>
</div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>STILL WATER RUNS DEEP</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dat still water, it run deep.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat shaller water prattle.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat tongue, hung in a holler head,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Jes roll 'round an' rattle.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>DON'T TELL ALL YOU KNOW</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Keep dis in min', an' all 'll go right;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">As on y&#333;' way you goes;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Be shore you knows 'bout all you tells,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But don't tell all you knows.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 215 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5><a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a>
<a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a>JACK AND DINAH WANT FREEDOM</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Ole Aunt Dinah, she's jes lak me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">She wuk so hard dat she want to be free.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But, you know, Aunt Dinah's gittin' sorter ole;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' she's feared to go to Canada, caze it's so c&#333;l'.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dar wus ole Uncle Jack, he want to git free.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He find de way Norf by de moss on de tree.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He cross dat <a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a>river a-floatin' in a tub.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dem <a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a>Patterollers give 'im a mighty close rub.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Dar is ole Uncle Billy, he's a mighty good Nigger.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He tote all de news to Mosser a little bigger.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">When you tells Uncle Billy, you wants free fer a fac';<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De nex' day de hide drap off'n y&#333;' back.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> The writer wishes to give explanation as to why the rhyme
"Jack and Dinah Want Freedom" appears under the Section of
Psycho-composite Rhymes as set forth in "The Study&mdash;&mdash;" of our volume.
The Negroes repeating this rhyme did not always give the names Jack,
Dinah, and Billy, as we here record them, but at their pleasure put in
the individual name of the Negro in their surroundings whom the stanza
being repeated might represent. Thus this little rhyme was the
scientific dividing, on the part of the Negroes themselves, of the
members of their race into three general classes with respect to the
matter of Freedom.</p></div>

<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> The Ohio River.</p></div>

<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> White guards who caught and kept slaves at the master's
home.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 216 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p>

<h3>Foreign Section</h3>

<h4><span class="smcap">African Rhymes</span></h4>

<p>The rhymes "Tuba Blay," "Near Waldo Tee-do O mah nah mejai," "Sai
Boddeoh Sumpun Komo," and "Byanswahn-Byanswahn" were kindly contributed
by Mr. John H. Zeigler, Monrovia, Liberia, and Mr. C. T. Wardoh of the
Bassa Tribe, Liberia. They are natives and are now in America for
collegiate study and training.</p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>NEAR-WALDO-TEE-DO O MAH NAH MEJAI<br />
<span class="poemsub">OR</span><br />
NEAR-WALDO-TEE-DO IS MY SWEETHEART</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">1.  A yehn me doddoc Near Waldo Tee-do.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Yehn me doddoc o-o seoh-o-o.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Omah nahn mejai Near Waldo Tee-do.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Omah nahn mejai Near Waldo Tee-do.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 217 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>
<span class="i0"><i>Translation</i><br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i1">Near Waldo Tee-do gave me a suit.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">He gave me a suit.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Near Waldo Tee-do is my sweetheart.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Near Waldo Tee-do is my sweetheart.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>TUBA BLAY<br />
<span class="poemsub">OR</span><br />
AN EVENING SONG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">1.  Seah O, Tuba blay.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Tuba blay, Tuba blay.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">2.  O blay wulna nahn blay.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Tuba blay, Tuba blay.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Translation</i><br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">1.  Oh please Tuba sing.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Tuba sing, Tuba sing.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">2.  Oh sing that song.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Tuba sing, Tuba sing.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">
<h5>THE OWL</h5>

<p>We are indebted for this Baluba rhyme to Dr. and Mrs. William H.
Sheppard, pioneer missionaries under the Southern Presbyterian Church.
The little production comes from Congo, Africa.</p>

<div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 218 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span><span class="i0">Sala wa m&#277;n t&#277;nge, Cimpungelu.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sala wa m&#277;n t&#277;nge, Cimpungelu.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Meme taya wewe, Cimpungelu.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sala wa m&#277;n t&#277;nge, Cimpungelu.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Translation</i><br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">The dancing owl waves his spread tail feathers.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I'm the owl.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">The dancing owl waves his spread tail feathers.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I'm the owl.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I now tell you by my dancing, I'm the owl.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">The dancing owl waves his spread tail feathers.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">I'm the owl.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>SAI BODDEOH SUMPUN KOMO<br />
<span class="poemsub">OR</span><br />
I AM NOT GOING TO MARRY SUMPUN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">1.  Sai Sumpun komo.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">De Sumpun nenah?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Sumpun se jello jeppo<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Boddeoh Sumpun.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">2.  Sai Sumpun komo.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">De Sumpun nenah?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Sumpun auch nahn jehn deddoc.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Boddeoh Sumpun.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 219 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span><span class="i0"><i>Translation</i><br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">1.  I am not going to marry Sumpun.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">What has Sumpun done?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Sumpun doesn't live a seafaring life<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Boddeoh Sumpun.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">2.  I am not going to marry Sumpun.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">What has Sumpun done?<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Sumpun does not support me.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Boddeoh Sumpun.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BYANSWAHN-BYANSWAHN<br />
<span class="poemsub">OR</span><br />
A BOAT SONG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">&#332;-&#332; Byanswahn blay Tanner tee-o-o.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">O Byanswahn jekah jubha.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">De jo Byanswahn se kah jujah dai.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">&#332; Byanswahn blay dai Tanner tee-o-o.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Translation</i><br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Oh boat, come back to me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Since you carried my child away,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">I have not seen that child.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh boat come back to me.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 220 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE TURKEY BUZZARD</h5>

<p>Dr. C. C. Fuller: a missionary at Chikore Melsetter, Rhodesia, Africa,
was good enough to secure for the compiler this rhyme, written in
Chindau, from the Rev. John E. Hatch, also a missionary in South Africa.</p>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Riti, riti, mwana wa rashika.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ndizo, ndizo kurgya ku wande.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Riti, riti, mwana wa oneka.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ndizo, ndizo ti wande issu.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Translation</i><br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Turkey buzzard, turkey buzzard, your child is lost.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">That is all right, the food will be more plentiful.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Turkey buzzard, turkey buzzard, your child is found.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">That is all right, we will increase in number.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 221 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>THE FROGS</h5>

<p>The following child's play rhyme in Baluba with its translation was
contributed by Mrs. L. G. Sheppard, who was for many years a missionary
in Congo, Africa.</p>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Cula, Cula, Kuya kudi Kunyi?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Tuyiya ku cisila wa Baluba.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Tun kuata tua kuesa cinyi?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Tua kudimuka kua musode.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Translation</i><br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Frogs, frogs, where are you going?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We are going to the market of the Baluba.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">If they catch you, what will they do?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">They will turn us all into lizards.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 222 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p>

<h4><span class="smcap">Jamaica Rhyme</span></h4>

<div class="poem">

<h5>BUSCHER GARDEN</h5>

<p>This Negro rhyme from rural Jamaica was contributed by Dr. Cecil B.
Roddock, a native of that country. The word <i>Buscher</i> means an overseer
or master of a plantation.</p>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">All a night, me da watch a brother Wayrum;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Wayrum ina me Buscher garden.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh, Brother Wayrum! Wha' a you da do,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To make a me Buscher a catch a you?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh a me Buscher, in a me Buscher garden;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Me a beg a me Buscher a pardon!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 223 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p>

<h4><span class="smcap">Venezuelan Negro Rhymes</span></h4>

<p>These Venezuelan rhymes: "A 'Would be' Immigrant" and "Game Contestant's
Song," came to us through the kindness of Mr. J. C. Williams, Caracas,
Venezuela, S. A. He is a native of Venezuela.</p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>GAME CONTESTANT'S SONG</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">We're going to dig!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We're going to dig a sepulcher to bury those regiments.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">White Rose Union!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Get yourself in readiness to bury those regiments.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Oh Grentville! <a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a>Cici! Cici!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Beat them forever.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Sa your de vrai!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">We'll send them a challenge,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To mardi carnival.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Sa your de vrai!!<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="footnotes">
<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Cici = a kind of game.</p></div>
</div>

<p><!-- Page 224 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A "WOULD BE" IMMIGRANT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Conjo Celestine! Oh<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He was going to Panama.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Reavay Trinidad!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Celestine Revay, la Grenada!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What d'you think bring Celestine back?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What d'you think bring Celestine back?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">What d'you think bring Celestine to me?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Twenty cents for a cup of tea.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 225 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p>

<h4><span class="smcap">Trinidad Negro Rhymes</span></h4>

<p>We are very grateful to Mr. L. A. Brown for his kindness in giving to us
the two Venezuelan rhymes which follow. His home is in Princess Town,
Trinidad, B. W. I.</p>

<div class="poem">

<h5>UN BELLE MARIE COOLIE<br />
<span class="poemsub">OR</span><br />
BEAUTIFUL MARIE, THE EAST INDIAN</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Un belle Marie Coolie!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Un belle Marie Coolie!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Un belle Marie Coolie!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Vous belle dame, vous belle pour moi.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Papa est un African.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mamma est un belle Coolie.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Un belle Marie Coolie!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Vous belle dame, vous belle pour moi.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0"><i>Translation</i><br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">Beautiful Marie, the East Indian!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Beautiful Marie, the East Indian!<!-- Page 226 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span><br /></span>
<span class="i0">Beautiful Marie, the East Indian!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You beautiful woman, you're good enough for me.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Papa is an African.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Mamma is a beautiful East Indian.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Beautiful Marie, the East Indian!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You beautiful woman, you're good enough for me.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<div class="poem">

<h5>A TOM CAT</h5>

<div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">My father had a big Tom cat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">That tried to play a fiddle.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">He struck it here, and he struck it there,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">And he struck it in the middle.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 227 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p>

<h4><span class="smcap">Philippine Island Rhyme</span></h4>

<p>The following rhyme came to me through the kindness of Mr. C. W. Ransom,
Grand Chain, Ill., U.S.A. Mr. Ransom served three years with the United
States Army in the Philippine Islands.</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">See that Monkey up the cocoanut tree,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">A-jumpin' an' a-throwin' nuts at me?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">El hombre no savoy,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No like such play.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">All same to Americano,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">No hay diqu&eacute;.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 228 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p>
<h2><ins class="correction" title="this heading was absent in the original">PART II</ins><br /><br />
<span class="smcap">A Study in Negro Folk Rhymes</span></h2>

<p>The lore of the American Negro is rich in story, in song, and in Folk
rhymes. These stories and songs have been partially recorded, but so far
as I know there is no collection of the American Negro Folk Rhymes. The
collection in Part I is a compilation of American Negro Folk Rhymes, and
this study primarily concerns them; but it was necessary to have a
Foreign Section of Rhymes in order to make our study complete. I have
therefore inserted a little Foreign Section of African, Venezuelan,
Jamaican, Trinidad, and Philippine Negro Rhymes; and along with them
have placed the names of the contributors to whom we are under great
obligations, as well as to the many others who have given valuable
assistance and suggestions in the matter of the American Negro Rhymes
recorded.</p>

<p>When critically measured by the laws and usages governing the best
English poetry, Negro Folk Rhymes will probably remind readers of the
story of the good brother, who arose solemnly in a Christian<!-- Page 229 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> praise
meeting, and thanked God that he had broken all the Commandments, but
had kept his religion.</p>

<p>Though decent rhyme is often wanting, and in the case of the "Song to
the Runaway Slave," there is no rhyme at all, the rhythm is found almost
perfect in all of them.</p>

<p>A few of the Rhymes bear the mark of a somewhat recent date in
composition. The majority of them, however, were sung by Negro fathers
and mothers in the dark days of American slavery to their children who
listened with eyes as large as saucers and drank them down with mouths
wide open. The little songs were similar in structure to the Jubilee
Songs, also of Negro Folk origin.</p>

<p>If one will but examine the recorded Jubilee songs, he will find that it
is common for stanzas, which are apparently most distantly related in
structure, to sing along in perfect rhythm in the same tune that
carefully counts from measure to measure one, two; or one, two, three,
four. Here is an example of two stanzas taken from the Jubilee song,
"Wasn't That a Wide River?"</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">1. "Old Satan's just like a snake in the grass,<br /></span>
<span class="i1">He's a-watching for to bite you as you pass.<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">2.  Shout! Shout! Satan's about.<br /></span>
<span class="i1">Just shut your door, and keep him out."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p><!-- Page 230 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p><p>An examination of stanzas in various Jubilee songs will show in the
same song large variations in poetic feet, etc., not only from stanza to
stanza; but very often from line to line, and even from phrase to
phrase. Notwithstanding all this variation, a well trained band of
singers will render the songs with such perfect rhythm that one scarcely
realizes that the structure of any one stanza differs materially from
that of another.</p>

<p>A stanza, as it appears in Negro Folk Rhymes, is of the same
construction as that found in the Jubilee Songs. A perfect rhythm is
there. If while reading them you miss it, read yet once again; you will
find it in due season if you "faint not" too early.</p>

<p>As a rule, Negro Folk verse is so written that it fits into measures of
music written 4/4 or 2/4 time. You can therefore read Negro Folk Rhymes
silently counting: one, two; or, one, two, three, four; and the stanzas
fit directly into the imaginary music measures if you are reading in
harmony with the intended rhythm. I know of only three Jubilee Songs
whose stanzas are transcribed as exceptions. They are&mdash;</p>

<p>(1) "I'm Going to Live with Jesus," 6/8 time, (2) "Gabriel's Trumpet's
Going to Blow," 3/4 time, and (3) "Lord Make Me More Patient," 6/8
time.<!-- Page 231 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> It is interesting to note along with these that the "Song of the
Great Owl," the "Negro Soldier's Civil War Chant," and "Destitute Former
Slave Owners," are seemingly the only ones in our Folk Rhyme collection
which would call for a 3/4 or 6/8 measure. Such a measure is rare in all
literary Negro Folk productions.</p>

<p>The Negro, then, repeated or sang his Folk Rhymes, and danced them to
4/4 and 2/4 measures. Thus Negro Folk Rhymes, with very few exceptions,
are poetry where a music measure is the unit of measurement for the
words rather than the poetic foot. This is true whether the Rhyme is, or
is not, sung. <i>Imaginary measures either of two or four beats, with a
given number of words to a beat, a number that can be varied limitedly
at will, seems to be the philosophy underlying all Negro slave rhyme
construction.</i></p>

<p>As has just been casually mentioned, the Negro Folk Rhyme was used for
the dance. There are Negro Folk Rhyme Dance Songs and Negro Folk Dance
Rhymes. An example of the former is found in "The Banjo Picking," and of
the latter, "Juba," both found in this collection. The reader may wonder
how a Rhyme simply repeated was used in the dance. The procedure was as
follows: Usually<!-- Page 232 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> one or two individuals "star" danced at time. The
others of the crowd (which was usually large) formed a circle about this
one or two who were to take their prominent turn at dancing. I use the
terms "star" danced and "prominent turn" because in the latter part of
our study we shall find that all those present engaged sometimes at
intervals in the dance. But those forming the circle, for most of the
time, repeated the Rhyme, clapping their hands together, and patting
their feet in rhythmic time with the words of the Rhyme being repeated.
It was the task of the dancers in the middle of the circle to execute
some graceful dance in such a manner that their feet would beat a tattoo
upon the ground answering to every word, and sometimes to every syllable
of the Rhyme being repeated by those in the circle. There were many such
Rhymes. "'Possum Up the Gum Stump," and "Jawbone" are good examples. The
stanzas to these Rhymes were not usually limited to two or three, as is
generally the case with those recorded in our collection. Each selection
usually had many stanzas. Thus as there came variation in the words from
stanza to stanza, the skill of the dancers was taxed to its utmost, in
order to keep up the graceful dance and to beat a changed tattoo upon
the ground corresponding to the<!-- Page 233 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> changed words. If any find fault with
the limited number of stanzas recorded in our treatise, I can in apology
only sing the words of a certain little encore song each of whose two
little stanzas ends with the words, "Please don't call us back, because
we don't know any more."</p>

<p>There is a variety of Dance Rhyme to which it is fitting to call
attention. This variety is illustrated in our collection by "Jump Jim
Crow," and "Juba." In such dances as these, the dancers were required to
give such movements of body as would act the sentiment expressed by the
words while keeping up the common requirements of beating these same
words in a tattoo upon the ground with the feet and executing
simultaneously a graceful dance.</p>

<p>It is of interest also to note that the antebellum Negro while repeating
his Rhymes which had no connection with the dance usually accompanied
the repeating with the patting of his foot upon the ground. Among other
things he was counting off the invisible measures and bars of his
Rhymes, things largely unseen by the world but very real to him. Every
one who has listened to a well sung Negro Jubilee Song knows that it is
almost impossible to hear one sung and not pat the foot. I have seen the
feet of the coldest blooded Caucasians<!-- Page 234 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> pat right along while Jubilee
melodies were being sung.</p>

<p>All Negro Folk productions, including the Negro Folk Rhymes, seem to
call for this patting of the foot. The explanation which follows is
offered for consideration. The orchestras of the Native African were
made up largely of crudely constructed drums of one sort or another.
Their war songs and so forth were sung to the accompaniment of these
drum orchestras. When the Negroes were transported to America, and began
to sing songs and to chant words in another tongue, they still sang
strains calling, through inheritance, for the accompaniment of their
ancestral drum. The Negro's drum having fallen from him as he entered
civilization, he unwittingly called into service his foot to take its
place. This substitution finds a parallelism in the highly cultivated La
France rose, which being without stamens and pistils must be propagated
by cuttings or graftings instead of by seeds. The rose, purposeless,
emits its sweet perfume to the breezes and thus it attracts insects for
cross fertilization simply because its staminate and pistillate
ancestors thus called the insect world for that purpose. The rattle of
the crude drum of the Native African was loud by inheritance in the
hearts of his early American de<!-- Page 235 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>scendants and its unseen ghost walks in
the midst of all their poetry.</p>

<p>Many Negro Folk Rhymes were used as banjo and fiddle (violin) songs. It
ought to be borne in mind, however, that even these were quite often
repeated without singing or playing. It was common in the early days of
the public schools of the South to hear Negro children use them as
declamations. The connection, however, of Negro Folk Rhymes with their
secular music productions is well worthy of notice.</p>

<p>I have often heard those who liked to think and discuss things musical,
wonder why little or no music of a secular kind worth while seemed to be
found among Negroes while their religious music, the Jubilee Songs, have
challenged the admiration of the world. The songs of most native peoples
seem to strike "high water mark" in the secular form. Probably numbers
of us have heard the explanation: "You see, the Negro is deeply
emotional; religion appealed to him as did nothing else. The Negro
therefore spent his time singing and shouting praises to God, who alone
could whisper in his heart and stir up these emotions." There is perhaps
much truth in this explanation. It is also such a delicate and high
compliment to the Negro race,<!-- Page 236 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> that I hesitate to touch it. One of the
very few gratifying things that has come to Negroes is the unreserved
recognition of their highly religious character. There is a truth,
however, about the relation between the Negro Folk Rhyme and the Negro's
banjo and fiddle music which ought to be told even though some older,
nicer viewpoints might be a little shifted.</p>

<p>There were quite a few Rhymes sung where the banjo and fiddle formed
what is termed in music a simple accompaniment. Examples of these are
found in "Run, Nigger, Run," and "I'll Wear Me a Cotton Dress." In such
cases the music consisted of simple short tunes unquestionably "born to
die."</p>

<p>There was another class of Rhymes like "Devilish Pigs," that were used
with the banjo and fiddle in quite another way. It was the banjo and
fiddle productions of this kind of Rhyme that made the "old time" Negro
banjo picker and fiddler famous. It has caused quite a few, who heard
them, to declare that, saint or sinner, it was impossible to keep your
feet still while they played. The compositions were comparatively long.
From one to four lines of a Negro Folk Rhyme were sung to the opening
measures of the instrumental composition; then followed the larger and
remaining part of the composition,<!-- Page 237 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> instruments alone. In the Rhyme
"Devilish Pigs" four lines were used at a time. Each time that the music
theme of the composition was repeated, another set of Rhyme lines was
repeated; and the variations in the music theme were played in each
repeat which recalled the newly repeated words of the Rhyme. The ideal
in composition from an instrumental viewpoint might quite well remind
one of the ideal in piano compositions, which consists of a theme with
variations. The first movement of Beethoven's Sonata, Opus 26,
illustrates the music ideal in composition to which I refer.</p>

<p>So far as I know no Caucasian instrumental music composer has ever
ordered the performers under his direction to sing a few of the first
measures of his composition while the string division of the orchestra
played its opening chords. Only the ignorant Negro composer has done
this. Some white composers have made little approaches to it. A fair
sample of an approach is found in the Idylls of Edward McDowell, for
piano, where every exquisite little tone picture is headed by some gem
in verse, reading which the less musically gifted may gain a deeper
insight into the philosophical tone discourse set forth in the notes and
chords of the composition.</p>

<p>The Negro Folk Rhyme, then, furnished the ideas<!-- Page 238 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> about which the "old
time" Negro banjo picker and fiddler clustered his best instrumental
music thoughts. It is too bad that this music passed away unrecorded
save by the hearts of men. Paul Laurence Dunbar depicts its telling
effects upon the hearer in his poem "The Party":</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Cripple Joe, de ole rheumatic, danced dat flo' frum side to middle.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Throwed away his crutch an' hopped it, what's rheumatics 'gainst a fiddle?<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Eldah Thompson got so tickled dat he lak to los' his grace,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Had to take bofe feet an' hold 'em, so's to keep 'em in deir place.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' de Christuns an' de sinnahs got so mixed up on dat flo',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Dat I don't see how dey's pahted ef de trump had chonced to blow."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>Perhaps a new school of orchestral music might be built on the Negro
idea that some of the performers sing a sentence or so here and there,
both to assist the hearers to a clearer musical understanding and to
heighten the general artistic finish. The old Negro performers generally
sang lines of the Folk Rhymes at the opening but occasionally in the<!-- Page 239 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>
midst of their instrumental compositions. I do not recall any case where
lines were sung to the closing measures of the compositions.</p>

<p>It might seem odd to some that the grotesque Folk Rhyme should have
given rise to comparatively long instrumental music compositions. I
think the explanation is probably very simple. The African on his native
heath had his crude ancestral drum as his leading musical instrument. He
sang or shouted his war songs consisting of a few words, and of a few
notes, then followed them up with the beating of his drum, perhaps for
many minutes, or even for hours. In civilization, the banjo, fiddle,
"quills," and "triangle" largely took the place of his drum. Thus the
singing of opening strains and following them with the main body of the
instrumental composition, is in keeping with the Negro's inherited law
for instrumental compositions from his days of savagery. The rattling,
distinct tones of the banjo, recalling unconsciously his inherited love
for the rattle of the African ancestral drum, is probably the thing
which caused that instrument to become a favorite among Negro slaves.</p>

<p>I would next consider the relation of the Folk Rhymes to Negro child
life. They were instilled into children as warnings. In the years
closely following<!-- Page 240 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> our Civil War, it was common for a young Negro child,
about to engage in a doubtful venture, to hear his mother call out to
him the Negro Rhyme recorded by Joel Chandler Harris, in the Negro
story, "The End of Mr. Bear":</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Tree stan' high, but honey mighty sweet&mdash;<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Watch dem bees wid stingers on der feet."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>These lines commonly served to recall the whole story, it being the
Rabbit's song in that story, and the child stopped whatever he was
doing. Other and better examples of such Rhymes are "Young Master and
Old Master," "The Alabama Way," and "You Had Better Mind Master," found
in our collection.</p>

<p>The warnings were commonly such as would help the slave to escape more
successfully the lash, and to live more comfortably under slave
conditions. I would not for once intimate that I entertain the thought
that the ignorant slave carefully and philosophically studied his
surroundings, reasoned it to be a fine method to warn children through
poetry, composed verse, and like a wise man proceeded to use it. Of
course thinking preceded the making of the Rhyme, but a conscious system
of making verses<!-- Page 241 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> for the purpose did not exist. I have often watched
with interest a chicken hen lead forth her brood of young for the first
time. While the scratching and feeding are going on, all of a sudden the
hen utters a loud shriek, and flaps her wings. The little chicks,
although they have never seen a hawk, scurry hither and thither, and so
prostrate their little brown and ashen bodies upon the ground as almost
to conceal themselves. The Negro Folk Rhymes of warning must be looked
upon a little in this same light. They are but the strains of terror
given by the promptings of a mother instinct full enough of love to give
up life itself for its defenseless own.</p>

<p>Many Rhymes were used to convey to children the common sense truths of
life, hidden beneath their comic, crudely cut coats. Good examples are
"Old Man Know-All," "Learn to Count," and "Shake the Persimmons Down."
All through the Rhymes will be found here and there many stanzas full of
common uncommon sense, worthwhile for children.</p>

<p>Many Negro Folk Rhymes repeated or sung to children on their parents'
knees were enlarged and told to them as stories, when they became older.
The Rhyme in our collection on "Judge Buzzard" is one of this kind. In
the Negro version of the<!-- Page 242 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> race between the hare and the tortoise
("rabbit and terrapin"), the tortoise wins not through the hare's going
to sleep, but through a gross deception of all concerned, including even
the buzzard who acted as Judge. The Rhyme is a laugh on "Jedge Buzzard."
It was commonly repeated to Negro children in olden days when they
passed erroneous judgments. "Buckeyed rabbit! Whoopee!" in our volume
belongs with the Negro story recorded by Joel Chandler Harris under the
title, "How Mr. Rabbit Lost His Fine Bushy Tail," though for some reason
Mr. Harris failed to weave it into the story as was the Negro custom.
"The Turtle's Song," in our collection, is another, which belongs with
the story, "Mr. Terrapin Shows His Strength"; a Negro story given to the
world by the same author, though the Rhyme was not recorded by him. It
might be of interest to know that the Negroes, when themselves telling
the Folk stories, usually sang the Folk Rhyme portions to little
"catchy" Negro tunes. I would not under any circumstances intimate that
Mr. Harris carelessly left them out. He recorded many little stanzas in
the midst of the stories. Examples are:</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(a) &nbsp;"We'll stay at home when you're away<br /></span>
<span class="i2">'Cause no gold won't pay toll."<br /></span>
</div><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 243 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>

<span class="i0">(b)&nbsp; "Big bird catch, little bird sing.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Bug bee zoom, little bee sting.<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Little man lead, and the big horse follow,<br /></span>
<span class="i2">Can you tell what's good for a head in a hollow?"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>These and many others are fragmentarily recorded among Mr. Harris' Negro
stories in "Nights With Uncle Remus."</p>

<p>Folk Rhymes also formed in many cases the words of Negro Play Songs.
"Susie Girl," and "Peep Squirrel," found in our collection, are good
illustrations of the Rhymes used in this way. The words and the music of
such Rhymes were usually of poor quality. When, however, they were sung
by children with the proper accompanying body movements, they might
quite well remind one of the "Folk Dances" used in the present best
up-to-date Primary Schools. They were the little rays of sunshine in the
dark dreary monotonous lives of black slave children.</p>

<p>Possibly the thing which will impress the reader most in reading Negro
Folk Rhymes is their good-natured drollery and sparkling nonsense. I
believe this is very important. Many have recounted in our hearing, the
descriptions of "backwoods" Negro<!-- Page 244 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> picnics. I have witnessed some of
them where the good-natured vender of lemonade and cakes cried out:</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Here's y&#333;' c&#333;l' ice lemonade,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's made in de shade,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's stirred wid a spade.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Come buy my c&#333;l' ice lemonade.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">It's made in de shade<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' s&#333;l' in de sun.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ef you hain't got no money,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You cain't git none.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">One glass fer a nickel,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' two fer a dime,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Ef you hain't got de chink,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">You cain't git mine.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Come right dis way,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Fer it sh&#333;' will pay<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To git candy fer de ladies<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' cakes fer de babies."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>"Did these venders sell?" Well, all agree that they did. The same
principle applied, with much of the nonsense eliminated, will probably
make of the Negro a great merchant, as caste gives way enough to allow
him a common man's business chance. Of all the races of men, the Negro
alone has demonstrated<!-- Page 245 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> his ability to come into contact with the white
man and neither move on nor be annihilated. I believe this is largely
due to his power to muster wit and humor on all occasions, and even to
laugh in the face of adversity. He refused during the days of slavery to
take the advice of Job's wife, and to "Curse God and die." He repeated
and sang his comic Folk Rhymes, danced, lived, and came out of the Night
of Bondage comparatively strong.</p>

<p>The compiler of the Rhymes was quite interested to find that as a rule
the country-reared Negro had a larger acquaintance with Folk Rhymes than
one brought up in the city. The human mind craves occasional recreation,
entertainment, and amusement. In cities where there is an almost
continuous passing along the crowded thoroughfares of much that
contributes to these ends, the slave Negro needed only to keep his eyes
open, his ears attentive, and laugh. He directed his life accordingly.
But, in the country districts there was only the monotony of quiet woods
and waving fields of cotton. The rural scenes, though beautiful in
themselves, refuse to amuse or entertain those who will not hold
communion with them. The country Negro longing for amusement communed in
his crude way, and Nature gave him Folk Rhymes for entertainment. Among<!-- Page 246 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>
those found to be clearly of this kind may be mentioned "The Great Owl's
Song," "Tails," "Redhead Woodpecker," "The Snail's Reply," "Bob-white's
Song," "Chuck Will's Widow Song," and many others.</p>

<p>The Folk Rhymes were not often repeated as such or as whole compositions
by the "grown-ups" among Negroes apart from the Play and the Dance. If,
however, you had had an argument with an antebellum Negro, had gotten
the better of the argument, and he still felt confident that he was
right, you probably would have heard him close his side of the debate
with the words: "Well, 'Ole Man Know-All is Dead.'" This is only a short
prosaic version of his rhyme "Old Man Know-All," found in our
collection. Many of the characteristic sayings of "Uncle Remus" woven
into story by Joel Chandler Harris had their origin in these Folk
Rhymes. "Dem dat know too much sleep under de ash-hopper" (Uncle Remus)
clearly intimates to all who know about the old-fashioned ash-hopper
that such an individual lies. This saying is a part of another stanza of
"Old Man Know-All," but I cannot recall it from my dim memory of the
past, and others whom I have asked seem equally unable to do so, though
they have once known it.</p>

<p>As is the case with all things of Folk origin,<!-- Page 247 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> there is usually more
than one version of each Negro Folk Rhyme. In many cases the exercising
of a choice between many versions was difficult. I can only express the
hope that my choices have been wise.</p>

<p>There are two American Negro Folk Rhymes in our collection: "Frog in a
Mill" and "Tree Frogs," which are oddities in "language." They are
rhymes of a rare type of Negro, which has long since disappeared. They
were called "Ebo" Negroes and "Guinea" Negroes. The so-called "Ebo"
Negro used the word "la" very largely for the word "the." This and some
other things have caused me to think that the "Ebo" Negro was probably
one who was first a slave among the French, Spanish, or Portuguese, and
was afterwards sold to an English-speaking owner. Thus his language was
a mixture of African, English, and one of these languages. The so-called
"Guinea" Negro was simply one who had not been long from Africa; his
language being a mixture of his African tongue and English. These rhymes
are to the ordinary Negro rhymes what "Jutta Cord la" in "Nights with
Uncle Remus," by Joel Chandler Harris, is to the ordinary Negro stories
found there. They are probably representative, in language, of the most
primitive Negro Folk productions.</p>

<p>Some of the rhymes are very old indeed. If one<!-- Page 248 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> will but read "Master Is
Six Feet One Way," found in our collection, he will find in it a
description of a slave owner attired in Colonial garb. It clearly
belongs, as to date of composition, either to Colonial days, or to the
very earliest years of the American Republic. When we consider it as a
slave rhyme, it is far from crudest, notwithstanding the early period of
its production.</p>

<p>If one carefully studies our collection of rhymes, he will probably get
a new and interesting picture of the Negro's mental attitude and
reactions during the days of his enslavement. One of these mental
reactions is calculated to give one a surprise. One would naturally
expect the Negro under hard, trying, bitter slave conditions, to long to
be white. There is a remarkable Negro Folk rhyme which shows that this
was not the case. This rhyme is: "I'd Rather Be a Negro Than a Poor
White Man." We must bear in mind that a Folk Rhyme from its very nature
carries in it the crystallized thought of the masses. This rhyme, though
a little acidic and though we have recorded the milder version, leaves
the unquestioned conclusion that, though the Negro masses may have
wished for the exalted station of the rich Southern white man and
possibly would have willingly had a white color as a passport to
position, there never<!-- Page 249 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> was a time when the Negro masses desired to be
white for the sake of being white. Of course there is the Negro rhyme,
"I Wouldn't Marry a Black Girl," but along with it is another Negro
rhyme, "I Wouldn't Marry a White or a Yellow Negro Girl." The two rhymes
simply point out together a division of Negro opinion as to the ideal
standard of beauty in personal complexion. One part of the Negroes
thought white or yellow the more beautiful standard and the other part
of the Negroes thought black the more beautiful standard.</p>

<p>The body of the Rhymes, here and there, carries many facts between the
lines, well worth knowing.</p>

<p>This collection also will shed some light on how the Negro managed to go
through so many generations "in slavery and still come out" with a
bright, capable mind. There were no colleges or schools for them, but
there were Folk Rhymes, stories, Jubilee songs, and Nature; they used
these and kept mentally fit.</p>

<p>I now approach the more difficult and probably the most important
portion of my discussion in the Study of Negro Folk Rhymes. It is a
discussion that I would have willingly omitted, had I not thought that
some one owed it to the world. Seeing a debt, as I thought, and not
seeing another to pay<!-- Page 250 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> it, I have reluctantly undertaken to discharge
the obligation.</p>

<p>If I were so fortunate as to possess a large flower garden with many new
and rare genera and species, and wished to acquaint my friends with
them, I should first take these friends for a walk through the garden,
that they might see the odd tints and hues, might inhale a little of the
new fragrance, and might get some idea as to the prospects for the
utilization of these new plants in the world. Then, taking these friends
back to my study room, I should consider in a friendly manner along with
them, the Families and the Species, and the varieties. Finally, I should
endeavor to lay before them from whence these new and strange flowers
came. I have endeavored to pursue this method in my discussion of the
Negro Folk Rhymes. In the foregoing I have endeavored to take the
friendly reader for a walk through this new and strange garden of
Rhymes, and I now extend an invitation to him to come into the Study
Room for a more critical view of them.</p>

<p>When one enters upon the slightest contemplation of Negro Folk Rhyme
classification, and is kind-hearted enough to dignify them with a claim
to kinship to real poetry, the word <i>Ballad</i> rolls out without the
slightest effort, as a term that takes them all<!-- Page 251 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> in. Yes, this is very
true, but they are of a strange type indeed. They are Nature Ballads,
many of them, in the sense as ordinarily used. In quite another sense,
however, from that in which Nature Ballad is ordinarily used, about all
Folk Rhymes are Nature Ballads.</p>

<p>I do not have reference to the thought content, but have reference to
what I term Nature Ballads in form. Permit me to explain by analogy just
what I would convey by the term Nature Ballad in form.</p>

<p>All Nature is one. Though we arbitrarily divide Nature's objects for
study, they are indissolubly bound together and every part carries in
some part of its constitution some well defined marks which characterize
the other parts with which it has no immediate connection. To
illustrate: the absolutely pure sapphire, pure aluminic oxide,
crystallized, is commonly colorless, but we know that Nature's most
beautiful sapphires are not colorless, but are blue, and of other
beautiful tints. These color tints are due to minutest traces of other
substances, not at all of general common sapphire composition. We call
them all sapphires, however, regardless of their little impurities which
are present to enhance their charm and beauty. Likewise, all animal life
begins with one cell, and though the one cell in one case develops<!-- Page 252 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> into
a vertebrate, and in another case into an invertebrate the cells persist
and so all animal life has cellular structure in common. Yet, each
animal branch has predominant traits that distinguish it from all other
branches. This same thing is true of plants.</p>

<p>Nature's method, then, of making things seems to be to put in a large
enough amount of one thing to brand the article, and then to mix in, in
small amounts, enough of other things to lend charm and beauty without
taking the article out of its general class.</p>

<p>This is that which goes to make Negro Folk Rhymes Nature Ballads in
form. They are ballads, but all in the midst of even a Dance Song, by
Nature an ordinary ballad, there may be interwoven comedy, tragedy, and
nearly every kind of imaginable thing which goes rather with other
general forms of poetry than with the ballad. As an example, in the
Dance Song, "Promises of Freedom," we have mustered before our eyes the
comic drawing of a deceptive ugly old Mistress and then follows the
intimation of the tragic death of a poisoned slave owner, and as we are
tempted to dance along in thought with the rhymer, we cannot escape
getting the subtle impression that this slave had at least some "vague"<!-- Page 253 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>
personal knowledge of how the Master got that poison. It is a common
easy-going ballad, but it is tinted with tragedy and comedy. This
general principle will be found to run very largely through the highest
types of Negro Folk Rhymes. It is the Nature method of construction, and
thus we call them Nature Ballads in structure, or form.</p>

<p>Other good examples of rhymes, Nature Ballads in structure, are "Frog
Went a-Courting," "Sheep Shell Corn," "Jack and Dinah Want Freedom."</p>

<p>I now direct attention further to the classification of Negro Rhymes as
Ballads. My earnest desire was to classify Negro Rhymes under ordinary
headings such as are used by literary men and women everywhere in their
general classification of Ballads. I considered this very important
because it would enable students of comparative Literature to compare
easily the Negro Folk Rhymes with the Folk Rhymes of all peoples. I was
much disappointed when I found that the Negro Folk Rhymes, when invited,
refused to take their places whole-heartedly in the ordinary
classification. As an example of many may be mentioned the little Rhyme
"Jaybird." It is a Dance Song, and thus comes under the Dance Song
Division, commonly used for Ballads. But, it also belongs under Nature
Lore heading, because<!-- Page 254 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> the Negroes many years ago often told a story, in
conjunction with song, of the great misfortunes which overtook a Negro
who tried to get his living by hunting Jaybirds. Finally it also belongs
under the heading Superstitions, for its last stanza very plainly
alludes to the old Negro superstition of slavery days which declared
that it was almost impossible to find Jaybirds on Friday because they
went to Hades on that day to carry sand to the Devil.</p>

<p>But so important do I think of comparative study that I have taken the
ordinary headings used for Ballads and, after adding that omnibus
heading "Miscellaneous," have done my best. The majority of the Rhymes
can be placed under headings ordinarily used. This was to be expected.
It is in obedience to Natural Law. We see it in the Music World. The
Caucasian music has eight fundamental tones, the Japanese music has
five, while, according to some authorities, Negro Jubilee-music has
nine; yet all these music scales have five tones in common. In the
Periodic System of Elements there are two periods; a short period and a
long period, but both periods embrace, in common, elements belonging to
the same family. So with the Ballads, certain classification headings
will very well take in both the Negro and all others. The Negro<!-- Page 255 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> Ballad,
however, does not entirely properly fit in. I have therefore resorted to
the following expedient: I have taken the headings ordinarily used, and
have listed under each heading the Negro Rhymes which belong with it, as
nearly as possible. I have placed this classified list at the end of the
book, under the title "Comparative Study Index." By using this Index one
can locate and compare Negro Folk productions with the corresponding
Folk productions of other peoples.</p>

<p>The headings found in this Comparative Study Index are as follows:</p>

<ol>
<li>Love Songs.</li>
<li>Dance Songs.</li>
<li>Animal and Nature Lore.</li>
<li>Nursery Rhymes.</li>
<li>Charms and Superstitions.</li>
<li>Hunting Songs.</li>
<li>Drinking Songs.</li>
<li>Wise and Gnomic Sayings.</li>
<li>Harvest Songs.</li>
<li>Biblical and Religious Themes.</li>
<li>Play Songs.</li>
<li>Miscellaneous.</li>
</ol>

<p>With the way paved for others to make such comparative study as they
would like, I now feel free<!-- Page 256 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span> to use a classification which lends itself
more easily to a discussion of the origin and evolution of Negro Rhyme.
The basic principle used in this classification is Origin and under each
source of origin is placed the various classes of Rhymes produced. It
has seemed to the writer, who is himself a Negro, and has spent his
early years in the midst of the Rhymes and witnessed their making, that
there are three great divisions derived from three great mainsprings or
sources.</p>

<p>The Divisions are as follows:</p>

<ol class="roman">
<li>Rhymes derived from the Social Instinct.</li>
<li>Rhymes derived from the Homing Instinct.</li>
<li>Rhymes of Psycho-composite origin.</li>
</ol>

<p>The terms Social and Homing Instincts are familiar to every one, but the
term Psycho-composite was coined by the writer after much hesitation and
with much regret because he seemed unable to find a word which would
express what he had in mind.</p>

<p>To make clear: the classes of Rhymes falling under Divisions I and II
owe their crudest initial beginnings to instinct, while those under
Division III owe their crudest beginnings partly to instinct, but partly
also to intelligent thinking processes. To illustrate&mdash;Courtship Rhymes
come under Division II, because courtship primarily arises from the
homing<!-- Page 257 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> instinct, but when we come to "quasi" wise sayings&mdash;directed
largely to criticism or toward improvement, there is very much more than
instinct concerned. In Division III the Rhymes are directed largely to
improvement. In explanation of why they are in Division III, I would
say, the desire to better one's condition is instinctive, but the
slightest attainment of the desire comes through thought pure and
simple. I have invented the term Psycho-composite to include all this.</p>

<p>In reading the Rhymes under Division III, one finds comparatively large,
abstract, general conclusions, such as&mdash;General loquaciousness is
unwise: Assuming to know everything is foolish: Self-control is a great
virtue. Proper preparation must be made before presuming to give
instruction, etc. Such generalizations involve something not necessarily
present in the crudest initiations of such Rhymes as those found under
Divisions I and II. Below is a tabular view of my proposed
classification of Negro Folk Rhymes:</p>

<table border="0" summary="Classification of Negro Folk Rhymes">

<tr class="smcap" align="center">
   <th>Division</th>
   <td>&nbsp;</td>
   <td>&nbsp;</td>
   <th>Class</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td rowspan="4" class="center">I. Social Instinct<br /> Rhymes</td>
<td rowspan="2" class="b-rb">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td rowspan="2" class="b-lt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>1. Dance Rhymes</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>2. Dance Rhyme Songs</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td rowspan="2" class="b-rt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td rowspan="2" class="b-lb">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>3. Play Songs</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>4. Pastime Rhymes</td>
<td><!-- Page 258 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg&nbsp;258]</a></span></td>
</tr>

<tr><td>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
  <td rowspan="4" class="center">II. Homing Instinct <br />Rhymes</td>
  <td rowspan="2" class="b-rb">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="2" class="b-lt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td>1. Love Rhymes</td>
</tr>

<tr>
  <td>2. Courtship Rhymes</td>
</tr>

<tr>
  <td rowspan="2" class="b-rt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="2" class="b-lb">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td>3. Marriage Rhymes</td>
</tr>

<tr>
  <td>4. Married Life Rhymes</td>
</tr>

<tr>
  <td>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td>&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
  <td rowspan="2" class="center">III. Psycho-composite <br />Rhymes</td>
  <td rowspan="1" class="b-rb">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="1" class="b-lt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="2">1. Criticism and Improvement Rhymes</td>
</tr>

<tr>
  <td rowspan="1" class="b-rt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="1" class="b-lb">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</table>

<p>Under this tabulation, let us now proceed to discuss the Origin and
Evolution of Negro Folk Rhymes.</p>

<p>Early in my discussion the reader will recall that I explained in
considerable detail how the Dance Rhyme words were used in the dance. I
am now ready to announce that the Dance Rhyme was derived from the
dance, and to explain how the Dance Rhyme became an evolved product of
the dance.</p>

<p>I witnessed in my early childhood the making of a few Dance Rhymes. I
have forgotten the words of most of those whose individual making I
witnessed but the "Jonah's Band Party" found in our collection is one
whose making I distinctly recall. I shall tell in some detail of its
origin because it serves in a measure to illustrate how the Dance Rhymes
probably had their beginnings. First of all be it known that there was a
"step" in dancing, originated<!-- Page 259 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> by some Negro somewhere, called "Jonah's
Band" step. There is no need that I should try to describe that step
which, though of the plain dance type, was accompanied from the
beginning to the end by indescribable "frills" of foot motion. I can't
describe it, but if one will take a stick and cause it to tap so as to
knock the words: "Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's band," while he
repeats the words in the time of 2/4 music measure, the taps will
reproduce the tattoo beaten upon the ground by the feet of the dancers,
when they danced the "Jonah's Band" step. The dancers formed a circle
placing two or more of their skilled dancers in the middle of it. Now
when I first witnessed this dance, there were no words said at all.
There was simply patting with the hands and dancing, making a tattoo
which might be well represented by the words supplied later on in its
existence. Later, I witnessed the same dance, where the patting and
dancing were as usual, but one man, apparently the leader, was simply
crying out the words, "Setch a kickin' up san'!" and the crowd answered
with the words, "Jonah's Band!"&mdash;the words all being repeated in
rhythmic harmony with the patting and dancing. Thus was born the line,
"Setch a kickin' up san'! Jonah's Band!" In some places it was the<!-- Page 260 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>
custom to call on the dancers to join with those of the circle, at
intervals in the midst of the dance, in dancing other steps than the
Jonah's Band step. Some dance leaders, for example, simply called in
plain prose&mdash;"Dance the Mobile Buck," others calling for another step
would rhyme their call. Thus arose the last lines to each stanza, such
as&mdash;</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Raise y&#333;' right foot, kick it up high!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Knock dat 'Mobile Buck' in de eye!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>This is the genesis of the "Jonah's Band Party," found in our
collection. The complete rhyme becomes a fine description of an old-time
Negro party. It is probable that much Dance Rhyme making originated in
this or a similar way.</p>

<p>Let us assume that Negro customs in Slavery days were what they were in
my childhood days, then it would come about that such an ocasional Rhyme
making in a crowd would naturally stimulate individual Rhyme makers, and
from these individuals would naturally grow up "crops" of Dance Rhymes.
Of course I cannot absolutely know, but I think when I witnessed the
making of the "Jonah's Band Party," that I witnessed the stimulus which
had produced the Dance Rhyme through the decades of preceding years. I
realize, however, that this does<!-- Page 261 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> not account for the finished Rhyme
products. It simply gives one source of origin. How the Rhyme grew to
its complex structure will be discussed later, because that discussion
belongs not to the Dance Rhyme alone, but to all the Rhymes.</p>

<p>There was a final phase of development of "Jonah's Band Party" witnessed
by the writer; namely, the singing of the lines, "Setch a kickin' up
san'! Jonah's Band!" The last lines of the stanzas, the lines calling
for another step on the part of both the circle and the dancers, were
never sung to my knowledge. The little tune to the first lines consisted
of only four notes, and is inserted below.</p>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-jonah.png" width="450" height="142" alt="Jonah's Band Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>
<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-276-jonah.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<p>I give this as of interest because it marks a partial transition from a
Dance Rhyme to a Dance Rhyme Song. In days of long ago I occasionally
saw a Dance Rhyme Song "patted and danced" instead of sung or played and
danced. This coupled with the transition stage of the "Jonah's Band
Dance"<!-- Page 262 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> just given has caused me to believe that Dance Rhyme Songs were
probably evolved from Dance Rhymes pure and simple, through individuals
putting melodies to these Dance Rhymes.</p>

<p>As Dance Rhymes came from the dance, so likewise Play Rhymes came from
plays. I shall now discuss the one found in our collection under the
caption&mdash;"Goosie-gander." Since the Play has probably passed from the
memory of most persons, I shall tell how it was played. The children
(and sometimes those in their teens) sat in a circle. One individual,
the leader, walked inside the circle, from child to child, and said to
each in turn, "Goosie-gander." If the child answered "Goose," the leader
said, "I turn your ears loose," and went on to the next child. If he
answered "Gander," the leader said, "I pull y&#333;' years 'way yander." Then
ensued a scuffle between the two children; each trying to pull the
other's ears. The fun for the circle came from watching the scuffle.
Finally the child who got his ears pulled took his place in the circle,
leaving the victor as master of ceremonies to call out the challenge
"Goosie-gander!" The whole idea of the play is borrowed from the
fighting of the ganders of a flock of geese for their mates. Many other
plays were likewise borrowed from Nature. Examples are<!-- Page 263 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> found in "Hawk
and Chickens Play," and "Fox and Geese Play." "Caught by a Witch Play"
is borrowed from superstition. But to return to "Goosie-gander"&mdash;most
children of our childhood days played it, using common prose in the
calls, and answers just as we have here described it. A few children
here and there so gave their calls and responses as to rhyme them into a
kind of a little poem as it is recorded in our collection. Without
further argument, I think it can hardly be doubted that the whole thing
began as a simple prose call, and response, and that some child inclined
to rhyming things, started "to do the rest," and was assisted in
accomplishing the task by other children equally or more gifted. This
reasonably accounts for the origin of the Play Rhyme.</p>

<p>Now what of the Play Rhyme Songs? There were many more Play Rhyme Songs
than Play Rhymes. There were some of the Play Rhyme Songs sung in prose
version by some children and the same Play Song would be sung in rhymed
version by other children. Likewise the identical Play Song would not be
sung at all by other children; they would simply repeat the words as in
the case of the Rhyme "Goosie-gander," just discussed. The little Play
Song found in our collection under<!-- Page 264 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> the caption, "Did You Feed My Cow?"
is one which was current in my childhood in the many versions as just
indicated. The general thought in the story of the Rhyme was the same in
all versions whether prose or rhyme, or song. In cases where children
repeated it instead of singing it, it was generally in prose and the
questions were so framed by the leader that all the general responses by
the crowd were "Yes, Ma'am!" Where it was sung, it was invariably
rhymed; and the version found in this collection was about the usual
one.</p>

<p>The main point in the discussion at this juncture is&mdash;that there were
large numbers of Play Songs like this one found in the transition stage
from plain prose to repeated rhyme, and to sung rhyme. Such a status
leaves little doubt that the Play Song travelled this general road in
its process of evolution.</p>

<p>I might take up the Courtship Rhymes, and show that they are derivatives
of Courtship, and so on to the end of all the classes given in my
outline, but since the evidences and arguments in all the cases are
essentially the same I deem it unnecessary.</p>

<p>I now turn attention to a peculiar general ideal in Form found in Negro
Folk Rhymes. It probably is not generally known that the Negroes, who
emerged from the House of Bondage in the 60's of the last<!-- Page 265 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> century, had
themselves given a name to their own peculiar form of verse. If it be
known I am rather confident that it has never been written. They named
the parts of their verse "Call," and (Re) "Sponse." After explaining
what is meant by "call" and "sponse," I shall submit an evidence on the
matter. In its simplest form "call" and "sponse" were what we would call
in Caucasian music, solo and chorus. As an example, in the little Play
Song used in our illustration of Play Songs, "Did You Feed My Cow?" was
sung as a solo and was known as the "Call," while the chorus that
answered "Yes, Ma'am" was known as the "Sponse."</p>

<p>I now beg to offer testimony in corroboration of my assertion that
Negroes had named their Rhyme parts "Call" and "Sponse." So well were
these established parts of a Negro Rhyme recognized among Negroes that
the whole turning point of one of their best stories was based upon it.
I have reference to the Negro story recorded by Mr. Joel Chandler Harris
in his "Nights with Uncle Remus," under the caption, "Brother Fox,
Brother Rabbit, and King Deer's Daughter." Those who would enjoy the
story, as the writer did in his childhood days, as it fell from the lips
of his dear little friends and dusky playmates, will read the story in
Mr.<!-- Page 266 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> Harris' book. The gist of the story is as follows: The fox and the
rabbit fall in love with King Deer's daughter. The fox has just about
become the successful suitor, when the rabbit goes through King Deer's
lot and kills some of King Deer's goats. He then goes to King Deer, and
tells him that the fox killed the goats, and offers to make the fox
admit the deed in King Deer's hearing. This being agreed to, the rabbit
goes to find the fox, and proposes that they serenade the King Deer
family. The fox agreed. Then the rabbit proposes that he sing the "Call"
and that the fox sing the "Sponse" (or, as Mr. Harris records the story,
the "answer"), and this too was agreed upon. We now quote from Mr.
Harris:</p>

<p>"Ole Br'er Rabbit, he make up de song he own se'f en' he fix it so that
he sing de <i>Call</i> lak de Captain er de co'n-pile, en ole Br'er Fox, he
hatter sing de answer...." "Ole Br'er Rabbit, he got de call en he open
up lak dis:</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"'Some folks pile up mo'n dey kin tote,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">En dat w'at de matter wid King Deer's goat.'<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>en den Br'er Fox, he make <i>answer</i>, 'Dat's so, dat's so, en I'm glad dat
it's so.' Den de quills, and de<!-- Page 267 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> tr'angle, dey come in, en den Br'er
Rabbit pursue on wid de call&mdash;</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"'Some kill sheep, en some kill shote,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">But Br'er Fox kill King Deer goat,'<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>en den Br'er Fox, he jine in wid de answer, 'I did, I did, en I'm glad
dat I did.'"</p>

<p>The writer would add that the story ends with a statement that King Deer
came out with his walking cane, and beat the fox, and then invited the
rabbit in to eat chicken pie.</p>

<p>From the foregoing one will recognize the naming, by the Negroes
themselves, of the parts of their rhymed song, as "call," and "answer."
Now just a word concerning the term "answer," instead of "sponse," as
used by the writer. You will notice that Mr. Harris records,
incidentally, of Br'er Rabbit "dat he sing de <i>call</i>, lak de Captain er
de co'n pile." This has reference to the singing of the Negroes at corn
huskings where the leader sings a kind of solo part, and the others by
way of response, sing a kind of chorus. At corn huskings, at plays, and
elsewhere, when Negroes sang secular songs, some one was chosen to lead.
As a little boy, I witnessed secular singing in all these places. When a
leader was chosen, the invariable words of his commission<!-- Page 268 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> were: "You
sing the 'call' and we'll sing the '<i>sponse</i>.'" Of course the sentence
was not quite so well constructed grammatically, but "call" and "sponse"
were the terms always used. This being true, I have felt that I ought to
use these terms, though I recognize the probability of there being
communities where the word <i>answer</i> would be used. All folk terms and
writings have different versions.</p>

<p>The "sponses" in most of the Negro Folk Rhymes in our collection are
wanting, and the Rhymes themselves, in most cases, consist of calls
only. As examples of those with "sponses" left, may be mentioned "Juba"
with its sponse "Juba"; "Frog Went A-courting," with its sponse
"Uh-huh!"; "Did You Feed My Cow?" with its sponse "Yes, Ma'am," etc.,
and "The Old Black Gnats," where the sponses are "I cain't git out'n
here, etc."</p>

<p>I shall now endeavor to show why the Negro Folk Rhymes consist in most
cases of "calls" only, and how and why the "sponses" have disappeared
from the finished product. I record here the notes of two common Negro
Play Songs along with sample stanzas used in the singing of them. I hope
through a little study of these, to make clear the matter of Folk Rhyme
development, to the point of dropping the "sponse."</p>

<p><!-- Page 269 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 448px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-hollydink.png" width="448" height="306" alt="Holly Dink Call and 'Sponse Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>
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<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-hailstorm.png" width="450" height="376" alt="Hail Storm Call and 'Sponse Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>

<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-284b-hailstorm.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<p><!-- Page 270 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p><p>These simple little songs,&mdash;the first made up of five notes, and the
second of seven,&mdash;are typical Negro Play songs. I shall not describe the
simple play which accompanied them because that description would not
add to the knowledge of the evolution under consideration.</p>

<p>At a Negro Evening Entertainment several such songs would be sung and
played, and some individual would be chosen to lead or sing the "calls"
of each of the songs. The 'sponses in some cases were meaningless
utterances, like "Holly Dink," given in the first song recorded, while
others were made up of some sentence like "'Tain't Gwineter Rain No
M&#333;'!" found in the second song given. The "sponses" were not expected to
bear a special continuous relation in thought to the "calls." Indeed no
one ever thought of the 'sponses as conveyers of thought, whether
jumbled syllables or sentences. The songs went under the names of the
various sponses. Thus the first Play Song recorded was known as "Holly
Dink," and the second as "'Tain't Gwineter Rain No M&#333;'."</p>

<p>The playing and singing of each of these songs commonly went on
continuously for a quarter of an hour or more. This being the case, we
scarcely need add that the leader of the Play Song had both<!-- Page 271 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> his memory
and ingenuity taxed to their utmost, in devising enough "calls" to last
through so long a period of time of continuous playing and singing. The
reader will notice under both of the Play Songs recorded, that I have
written under "(a)" two stanzas of prose "calls." I would convey the
thought to the reader, by these illustrations, that the one singing the
"calls" was at liberty to use, and did use any prose sentence that would
fit in with the "call" measures of the song.</p>

<p>Of course these prose "calls" had to be rhythmic to fit into the
measures, but much freedom was allowed in respacing the time allotted to
notes, and in the redivision of the notes in the "fitting in" process.
Even these prose stanzas bore the mark of Rhyme to the Negro fancy. The
reader will notice that, where the "call" is in prose, it is always
repeated, and thus the line in fancy rhymed with itself. Examples as
found in our Second Play Song:</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Hail storm, frosty night.<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Hail storm, frosty night."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>Now, it was considered by Negroes, in the days gone by, something of an
accomplishment for a leader to be able to sing "calls," for so long a
time, when they bore some meaning, and still a greater accomplishment<!-- Page 272 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>
to sing the calls both in rhyme and with meaning. This led each
individual to rhyme his calls as far as possible because leaders were
invited to lead songs during an evening's entertainment, largely in
accordance with their ability, and thus those desiring to lead were
compelled to make attainment in both rhyme and meaning. Now, the reader
will notice under "Holly Dink," heading "(b)," "I sh&#333;' loves Miss
Donie." This is a part of the opening line of our Negro Rhyme, "Likes
and Dislikes." I would convey the thought to the reader that this whole
Rhyme, and any other Negro Rhyme which would fit into a 2/4 music
measure, could be, and was used by the Play Song leader in singing the
calls of "Holly Dink." Thus a leader would lead such a song; and by
using one whole Rhyme after another, succeed in rhyming the calls for a
quarter of an hour. If his Rhymes "gave out," he used rhythmic prose
calls; and since these did not need to have meaning, his store was
unlimited. Just as any Rhyme which could be fitted into a 2/4 music
measure would be used with "Holly Dink," so any Rhyme which could be
fitted into a 4/4 measure would be used with the "'Tain't Gwineter Rain
No M&#333;'." Illustrations given under "(b)" and "(c)" under the last
mentioned song are<!-- Page 273 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>&mdash;"Promises of Freedom," and "Hawk and Buzzard."</p>

<p>Since all Negro Songs with a few exceptions were written in 4/4 measures
and 2/4 measures, and Negro rhymed "calls" were also written in the same
way, the rhymed "calls" which may have originated with one song were
transferred to, and used with other songs. <i>Thus the rhymed "calls"
becoming detached for use with any and all songs into which they could
be fitted, gave rise to the multitude of Negro Folk Rhymes, a small
fragment of which multitude is recorded in our collection.</i> Negro Dances
and Dance Rhymes were both constructed in 2/4 and 4/4 measures, and the
Rhymes were propagated for that same reason. Rhymes, once detached from
their original song or dance, were learned, and often repeated for mere
pastime, and thus they were transmitted to others as unit compositions.</p>

<p>We have now seen how detached rhymed "calls" made our Negro Folk Rhymes.
Next let us consider how and why whole little "poems" arose in a Play
Song. One will notice in reading Negro Folk Rhymes that the larger
number of them tell a little story or give some little comic
description, or some little striking thought. Since all the Rhymes had
to be memorized to insure their continued existence,<!-- Page 274 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> and since Memory
works largely through Association; one readily sees that the putting of
the Rhymes into a story, descriptive, or striking thought form, was the
only thing that could cause their being kept alive. It was only through
their being composed thus that Association was able to assist Memory in
recalling them. Those carrying another form carried their death warrant.</p>

<p>Now let us look a little more intimately into how the Rhymes were
probably composed. In collecting them, I often had the same Rhyme given
to me over and over again by different individuals. Most of the Rhymes
were given by different individuals in fragmentary form. In case of all
the Rhymes thus received, there would always be a half stanza, or a
whole stanza which all contributors' versions held in common. As
examples: in "Promises of Freedom," all contributors gave the lines&mdash;</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"My ole Mistiss promise me<br /></span>
<span class="i0">W'en she died, she'd set me free."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>In "She Hugged Me and Kissed Me," the second stanza was given by all. In
"Old Man Know-All," the first two lines of the last stanza came from all
who gave the Rhyme. The writer terms these parts of the individual
Rhymes, seemingly known to all<!-- Page 275 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> who know the "poems," <i>key verses</i>. The
very fact that the key verses, only, are known to all, seems to me to
warrant the conclusion that these were probably the first verses made in
each individual Rhyme. Now when an individual made such a key verse, one
can easily see that various singers of "calls" using it would attempt to
associate other verses of their own making with it in order to remember
them all for their long "singing Bees." The story, the description, and
the striking thought furnished convenient vehicles for this association
of verses, so as to make them easy to keep in memory. This is why the
verses of many singers of "Calls" finally became blended into little
poem-like Rhymes.</p>

<p>I have pointed out "call" and "sponse," in Rhymes, and have shown how,
through them, in song, the form of the Negro Rhyme came into existence.
But many of the Pastime Rhymes apparently had no connection with the
Play or the Dance. I must now endeavor to account for such Rhymes as
these.</p>

<p>In order to do this, I must enter upon the task of trying to show how
"call" and "sponse" originated.</p>

<p>The origin of "call" and "sponse" is plainly written on the faces of the
rhymes of the Social Instinct type. Read once again the following rhyme
recorded<!-- Page 276 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> in our collection under the caption of "Antebellum Courtship
Inquiry"&mdash;</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">(He)&mdash;"Is you a flyin' lark, or a settin' dove?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(She)&mdash;"I'se a flyin' lark, my Honey Love."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(He)&mdash;"Is you a bird o' one fedder, or a bird o' two?"<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(She)&mdash;"I'se a bird o' one fedder, w'en it comes to you."<br /></span>
<span class="i0">(He)&mdash;"Den Mam:<br /></span>
<span class="i0">"I has desire an' quick temptation<br /></span>
<span class="i0">To jine my fence to y&#333;' plantation."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>This is primitive courtship; direct, quick, conclusive. It is the crude
call of one heart, and the crude response of another heart. The two
answering and blending into one, in the primitive days, made a rhymed
couplet&mdash;one. It is "call" and "sponse," born to vibrate in
complementary unison with two hearts that beat as one. "Did all Negroes
carry on courtship in this manner in olden days?" No, not by any means.
Only the more primitive by custom, and otherwise used such forms of
courtship. The more intelligent of those who came out of slavery had
made the white man's customs their own, and laughed at such crudities,
quite as much as we of the present day. The writer thinks his ability
to<!-- Page 277 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> recall from childhood days a clear remembrance of many of these
crude things is due to the fact that he belonged to a Negro family that
laughed much, early and late, at such things. But the simple forms of
"call" and "sponse" were used much in courtship by the more primitive.
This points out something of the general origin of "call" and "sponse"
in Social Instinct Rhymes, but does not account for their origin in
other types of Rhymes. I now turn attention to those.</p>

<p>About eighteen years ago I was making a Sociological investigation for
Tuskegee Institute, which carried me into a remote rural district in the
Black Belt of Alabama. In the afternoon, when the Negro laborers were
going home from the fields and occasionally during the day, these
laborers on one plantation would utter loud musical "calls" and the
"calls" would be answered by musical responses from the laborers on
other plantations. These calls and responses had no peculiar
significance. They were only for whatever pleasure these Negroes found
in the cries and apparently might be placed in a parallel column
alongside of the call of a song bird in the woods being answered by
another. Dr. William H. Sheppard, many years a missionary in Congo,
Africa, upon inquiry, tells me that similar<!-- Page 278 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> calls and responses obtain
there, though not so musical. He also tells me that the calls have a
meaning there. There are calls and responses for those lost in the
forest, for fire, for the approach of enemies, etc. These Alabama Negro
calls, however, had no meaning, and yet the calls and responses so
fitted into each other as to make a little complete tune.</p>

<p>Now, I had heard "field" calls all during my early childhood in
Tennessee, and these also were answered by men in adjoining fields. But
the Tennessee calls and responses which I remembered had no kinship
which would combine them into a kind of little completed song as was the
case with the Alabama calls and responses.</p>

<p>Again, in Tennessee when a musical call was uttered by the laborers in
one field, those in the other fields around would often use identically
the same call as a response. The Alabama calls and responses were short,
while those of Tennessee were long.</p>

<p>I am listing an Alabama "call" and "response." I regret that I cannot
recall more of them. I am also recording three Tennessee calls or
responses (for they may be called either). Then I am recording a fourth
one from Tennessee, not exactly a call, but partly call and partly song.
The reason for<!-- Page 279 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> this will appear later. By a study of these I think we
can pretty reasonably make a final interesting deduction as to the
general origin of "call" and "sponse" in the form of the types of Rhyme
not already discussed.</p>

<p>In the Alabama Field Call and response one cannot help seeing a
counterpart in music of the "call" and "sponse" in the words of the
types of Rhymes already discussed.</p>

<h5>ALABAMA FIELD CALL AND RESPONSE</h5>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 449px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-alabama.png" width="449" height="195" alt="Alabama Call and 'Sponse Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>

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<h5>TENNESSEE FIELD CALLS OR RESPONSES</h5>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-tenn1.png" width="450" height="184" alt="Tennessee Call and 'Sponse Musical Notation 1" title="" />
</div>
<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-294b-tenn1.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<p><!-- Page 280 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 452px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-tenn2.png" width="452" height="190" alt="Tennessee Call and 'Sponse Musical Notation 2" title="" />
</div>
<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-295a-tenn2.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 453px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-tenn3.png" width="453" height="222" alt="Tennessee Call and 'Sponse Musical Notation 3" title="" />
</div>
<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-295b-tenn3.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 449px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-tenn4.png" width="449" height="191" alt="Tennessee Call and 'Sponse Musical Notation 4" title="" />
</div>
<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-295c-tenn4.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<p><!-- Page 281 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p>

<p>If one looks at Number 1 under the Tennessee calls or responses, there
is nothing to indicate especially that it was ever other than the whole
as it is here written. But when he looks at Number 2 under Tennessee
calls or responses he is struck with the remarkable fact that it changes
right in the midst from the rhythm of the 9/8 measure to that of the 6/8
measure. Now if there be any one characteristic which is constant in
Negro music it is that the rhythm remains the same throughout a given
production. In a very, very few long Negro productions I have known an
occasional change in the time, but <i>never</i> in a musical production
consisting of a few measures. The only reasonable explanation to be
offered for the break in the time of Number 2, as a Negro production, is
that it was originally a "call" and "response"; the "call" being in a
9/8 measure and the "response" being in a 6/8 measure. Here then we have
"call" and "sponse." It would look as if the Negroes in Tennessee had
combined the "calls" and "sponses" into one and had used them as a
whole. When we accept this view all the differences, between the Alabama
and Tennessee productions, before mentioned are accounted for. Then
looking again at Number 1 under Tennessee calls or responses, one sees
that it would conveniently<!-- Page 282 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> divide right in the middle to make a "call"
and "sponse." Now look at Number 3 under Tennessee calls. It was usually
cried off with the syllable <i>ah</i> and would easily divide in the middle.
I remember this "call" very distinctly from my childhood because the men
giving it placed the thumb upon the larynx and made it vibrate
longitudinally while uttering the cry. The thumb thus used produced a
peculiar screeching and rattling tone that hardly sounded human. But the
words "I want a piece of hoecake, etc.," as recorded under the "call,"
were often rhymed off in song with it. Thus we trace the form of "call"
and "sponse" from the friendly musical greeting between laborers at a
distance to the place of the formation of a crude Rhyme to go with it. I
would have the reader notice that these words finally supplied were in
"call" and "sponse" form. The idea is that one individual says: "I want
a piece of hoecake, I want a piece o' bread," and another chimes in by
way of response: "Well, I'se so tired and hongry dat I'se almos' dead."</p>

<p>"Ole Billie Bawlie" found as Number 4 was a little song which was used
to deride men who had little ability musically to intonate "calls" and
"sponses." The name "Bawlie" was applied to emphasize that the
individual bawled instead of sounding<!-- Page 283 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> pleasant notes. It is of interest
to us because it is a mixture of Rhyme and Field "call" and completes
the connecting links along the line of Evolution between the "call" and
"sponse" and the Rhyme.</p>

<p>Wherever one thing is derived from another by process of Evolution,
there is the well known biological law that there ought to be every
grade of connecting link between the original and the last evolved
product. The law holds good here in our Rhymes. If this last statement
holds good then the law must be universal. May we be permitted to
digress enough to show that the law is universal because, though it is a
law whose biological phase has been long recognized, not much attention
has been paid to it in other fields.</p>

<p>It holds good in the world of inanimate matter. There are three general
classes of chemical compounds: Acids, bases, and salts. But along with
these three general classes are found all kinds of connecting links:
Acid salts, basic salts, hydroxy acids, etc.</p>

<p>It holds good in the animal and plant worlds. Looking at the ancestors
of the horse in geological history we find that the first kind of horse
to appear upon the earth was the &#338;ohippus. He had<!-- Page 284 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> four toes on the
hind foot and three on the front one. Through a long period of
development, the present day one-toed horse descended from this
many-toed primitive horse. There is certainty of the line of descent of
the horse because all the connecting links have been discovered in
fossil form, between the primitive horse and the present day horse.
Plants in like manner show all kinds of connecting links.</p>

<p>The law holds sway in the world of language; and that is the world with
which we are concerned here. The state of Louisiana once belonged to the
French; now it belongs to an English-speaking people. If one goes among
the Creoles in Louisiana he will find a very few who speak almost
Parisian French and very poor English. Then he will find a very large
number who speak a pure English and a very poor French. Between these
classes he will find those speaking all grades of French and English.
These last mentioned are the connecting links, and the connecting links
bespeak a line of evolution where those of French descent are gradually
passing over to a class which will finally speak the English language
exclusively.</p>

<p>Now let us turn our attention again directly to the discussion of the
evolution of Negro Folk<!-- Page 285 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> Rhymes. One can judge whether or not he has
discovered the correct line of descent of the Rhymes by seeing whether
or not he has all the connecting links requisite to the line of
evolution. I think it must be agreed that I have given every type of
connecting link between common Field "calls" and "sponses," and
incipient crude Negro Rhymes. They set the mold for the other general
Negro Rhymes not hitherto discussed.</p>

<p>If the reader will be kind enough to apply the test of connecting links
to the Play and other Rhymes already discussed, he will find that the
reactions will indicate that we have traced their correct lines of
origin and descent.</p>

<p>The spirit of "call" and "sponse" hovers ghost-like over the very
thought of many Negro Rhymes. In "Jaybird," the first two lines of each
stanza are a call in thought, while the last two lines are a "sponse" in
thought to it. The same is true of "He Is My Horse," "Stand Back, Black
Man," "Bob-White's Song," "Promises of Freedom," "The Town and the
Country Bird," and many others.</p>

<p>Then "call" and "sponse" looms up in the midst in thought between stanza
and stanza in many Rhymes. Good examples are found in "The Great Owl's
Song," "Sheep and Goat," "The Snail's Reply,"<!-- Page 286 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> "Let's Marry&mdash;Courtship,"
"Shoo! Shoo!" "When I Go to Marry," and many others.</p>

<p>"Call" and "sponse" even runs, at least in one case, between whole
Rhymes. "I Wouldn't Marry a Black Girl" as a "call" has for its
"sponse": "I Wouldn't Marry a Yellow or a White Negro Girl." The Rhyme
"I'd Rather Be a Negro Than a Poor White Man" is a "sponse" to an
imaginary "call" that the Negro is inferior by nature.</p>

<p>After some consideration, as compiler of the Negro Rhymes, I thought I
ought to say something of their rhyming system, but before doing this I
want to consider for a little the general structure of a stanza in Negro
Rhymes.</p>

<p>Of course there is no law, but the number of lines in a stanza of
English poetry is commonly a multiple of two. The large majority of
Negro Rhymes follows this same rule, but, even in case of these, the
lines are so unsymmetrical that they make but the faintest approach to
the commonly accepted standards. Then there are Rhymes with stanzas of
three lines and there are those with five, six, and seven lines. This is
because the imaginary music measure is the unit of measurement instead
of feet, and the stanzas are all right so long as they run in consonance
with the laws governing music measures<!-- Page 287 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> and rhythm. In a tune like "Old
Hundred" commonly used in churches as a Doxology, there are four
divisions in the music corresponding with the four lines of the stanza.
Each division is called, in music, a Phrase. Two of these Phrases make a
Phrase Group and two Phrase Groups make a Period. Now when one moves
musically through a Phrase Group his sense of rhythm is partially
satisfied and when he has moved through a Period the sense of Rhythm is
entirely satisfied.</p>

<p>When one reads the three line stanzas of Negro Folk Rhymes he passes
through a music Period and thus the stanza satisfies in its rhythm.
Example:</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Bridle up er rat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Saddle up er cat,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' han' me down my big straw hat."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>Here the first two lines are a Phrase each and constitute together a
Phrase Group. The third line is made up of two Phrases, or a Phrase
Group in itself. Thus this third line along with the first two makes a
Music Period and the whole satisfies our rhythmic sense though the lines
are apparently odd. In all Negro Rhymes, however odd in number and
however ragged may seem the lines, the music<!-- Page 288 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> Phrases and Periods are
there in such symmetry as to satisfy our sense of rhythm.</p>

<p>I now turn attention to the rhyming of the lines in Negro verse. The
ordinary systems of rhyming as set forth by our best authors will take
in most Negro Rhymes. Most of them are Adjacent and Interwoven Rhymes.
There are five systems of rhyming commonly used in the white man's
poetry but the Negro Rhyme has nine systems. Here again we find a
parallelism, as in case of music scales, etc. Five in each system are
the same. The ordinary commonly accepted systems are:</p>

<table border="0" summary="Rhyming Systems">

<tr>
  <td>a</td>
  <td rowspan="1" class="b-rt">&nbsp;</td>
  <td class="b-lb">&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="2">Where the adjacent lines rhyme by twos. We
  call it "Adjacent rhymes" or a "Couplet."</td>
</tr>

<tr>
  <td>a</td>
  <td rowspan="1" class="b-rb">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>

<tr>
<td>a</td>
<td class="b-rt">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="4">Where the alternating lines rhyme we
  call it "Alternate" or "Interwoven Rhyme."</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>b</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lb">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>a</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lt">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>b</td>
<td class="b-rb">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>

<tr>
<td>a</td>
<td class="b-rt">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="4">Where lines 1 and 4, and 2 and 3 rhyme
   respectively with each other. This is called
   "Close Rhyme."</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>b</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lb">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>b</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lt">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>a</td>
<td class="b-rb">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td>
<td><!-- Page 289 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>
</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>a</td>
<td class="b-rt">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="4">Where in a stanza of four lines, lines 2 and
4 only rhyme. This is sometimes also called
"Alternate Rhyme."</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>b</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lb">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>c</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lt">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>b</td>
<td class="b-rb">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>

<tr>
<td>a</td>
<td class="b-rt">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="4">Where in a stanza of four lines 1, 2 and 4
  rhyme. This is called "Interrupted Rhyme."</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>a</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lb">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>b</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lt">&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>a</td>
<td class="b-rb">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</table>

<p>I now beg to offer a system of classification in rhyming which will
include all Negro Rhymes. I shall insert the ordinary names in
parenthesis along with the new names wherever the system coincides with
the ordinary system for white men's Rhymes. The only reason for not
using the old names exclusively in these places is that nomenclature
should be kept consistent in any proposed classification, so far as that
is possible.</p>

<p>In classifying the rhyming of the lines or verses I have borrowed terms
from the gem world, partly because the Negro hails from Africa, a land
of gems; and partly because the verses bear whatever beauty there might
have been in his crude crystalized thoughts in the dark days of his
enslavement.</p>

<p><!-- Page 290 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>
I present herewith the outline and follow it with explanations:</p>

<table border="0" summary="Negro Folk Rhymes Rhyming System">

<tr>
<th class="ital">Class</th>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<th class="ital">Systems</th>
</tr>

<tr>
<td rowspan="2" valign="top">I Rhythmic <ins class="correction" title="original reads: Solitaire.">Solitaire</ins></td>
<td rowspan="1" class="b-rb">&nbsp;</td>
<td rowspan="1" class="b-lt">&nbsp;</td>
<td rowspan="2">(a) Rhythmic measured lines</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td rowspan="1" class="b-rt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
  <td rowspan="1" class="b-lb">&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
</tr>

<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>

<tr>
<td rowspan="3" valign="top">II Rhymed Doublet</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lt">&nbsp;</td>
<td>(a) Regular (Adjacent Rhyme)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td class="b-rt">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>(b) Divided (Includes Close Rhyme)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lb">&nbsp;</td>
<td>(c) <ins class="correction" title="original reads: Supplemented.">Supplemented</ins></td>
</tr>

<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>

<tr>
  <td rowspan="2" valign="top">III Rhyming Doublet</td>
  <td class="b-rb">&nbsp;</td>
  <td class="b-lt">&nbsp;</td>
  <td>(a) Regular (Includes Alternate Rhyme)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
  <td>&nbsp;</td>
  <td class="b-lb">&nbsp;</td>
  <td>(b) Inverted (Close Rhyme)</td>
</tr>

<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>

<tr>
<td rowspan="3" valign="top">IV Rhymed Cluster</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lt">&nbsp;</td>
<td>(a) Regular</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td class="b-rt">&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>(b) Divided (Interrupted Rhyme)</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td class="b-lb">&nbsp;</td>
<td>(c) Supplemented</td>
</tr>
</table>

<p><ins class="correction" title="original reads: I a"><i>I a.</i></ins> Rhythmic Solitaire, Rhythmic measured lines. In many Rhymes there
is a rhythmic line dropped in here and there that doesn't rhyme with<!-- Page 291 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>
any other line. They are rhythmic like the other lines and serve equally
to fill out the music Phrases and Periods. These are the Rhythmic
Solitaires and because of their solitaire nature it follows that there
is only one system. Examples are found in the first line of each stanza
of "Likes and Dislikes"; in the second line of each stanza of "Old Aunt
Kate;" in lines five and six of each stanza of "I'll Wear Me a Cotton
Dress," in lines three and four of the "Sweet Pinks Kissing Song," etc.
The Rhythmic Solitaires do not seem to have been largely used by Negroes
for whole compositions. Only one whole Rhyme in our collection is
written with Rhythmic Solitaires. That Rhyme is: "Song to the Runaway
Slave." This Rhyme is made up of blank verse as measured by the white
man's standard.</p>

<p><i>II a.</i> The Regular Rhymed Doublet. This is the same as our common
Adjacent Rhyme. There are large numbers of Negro Rhymes which belong to
this system. The "Jaybird" is a good example.</p>

<p><i>II b.</i> The Divided Rhymed Doublet. It includes Close Rhyme and there
are many of this system. In ordinary Close Rhyme one set of rhyming
lines (two in number) is separated by two intervening lines, but this
"Rhyming Couplet" in Negro<!-- Page 292 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> Rhymes may be separated by three lines as in
"Bought Me a Wife," where the divided doublet consists of lines 3 and 7.
Then the Divided Rhymed Doublet may be separated by only one line, as in
"Good-by, Wife," where the Doublet is found in lines 5 and 7.</p>

<p><i>II c.</i> The Supplemented Rhymed Doublet. It is illustrated by "Juba"
found in our collection. The words "Juba! Juba!" found following the
second line of each stanza, are the supplement. I shall take up the
explanation of Supplemented Rhyme later, since the explanation goes with
all Supplemented Rhyme and not with the Doublet only. I consider the
Supplement one of the things peculiarly characteristic of Negro Rhyme.
The following stanza illustrates such a Supplemented Doublet:</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"Juba jump! Juba sing!<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Juba cut dat Pidgeon's Wing! Juba! <ins class="correction" title="! missing in original">Juba!</ins>"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>Representing such a rhyming by letters we have</p>

<table class="lettering" border="0" summary="Supplemented Rhymed Doublet">
<tr>
    <td>(a</td>
</tr>

<tr>
    <td>(a-x</td>
</tr>
</table>

<p><i>III.</i> The Rhyming Doublet. It is generally made up of two consecutive
lines not rhyming with each other but so constructed that one of the
lines will rhyme with one line of another Doublet similarly constructed
and found in the same stanza.</p>

<p><!-- Page 293 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p><p><i>III a.</i> The Regular Rhyming Doublet. It is the same as our common
interwoven rhyme and is very common among Negro Rhymes. There is one
peculiar Interwoven Rhyme found in our collection; it is "Watermelon
Preferred." In it the second Rhyming Doublet is divided by a kind of
parenthetic Rhythmic Solitaire.</p>

<p><i>III b.</i> The Inverted Rhyming Doublet. It is the same as our ordinary
Close Rhyme.</p>

<p>The writer had expected to find the Supplemented Rhyming Doublet among
Negro Rhymes but peculiarly enough it does not seem to exist.</p>

<p><i>IV a.</i> The Regular Rhymed Cluster. It consists of three consecutive
lines in the same stanza which rhyme. An example is found in "Bridle Up
a Rat," one of whose stanzas we have already quoted. It is represented
by the lettering</p>

<table class="lettering" border="0" summary="Regular Rhymed Cluster">
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
</table>

<p><i>IV. b.</i> The Divided Rhymed Cluster. It includes ordinary Interrupted
Rhyme&mdash;with the lettering</p>

<table class="lettering" border="0" summary="Divided Rhymed Cluster 1">
<tr>
<td>(a</td>
<td rowspan="5">An example is found in the Ebo or Guinea Rhyme "Tree Frogs."</td>
</tr>

<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
<tr><td>(b</td></tr>
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
</table>

<p>But in Negro Folk Rhymes two lines may divide the
<!-- Page 294 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> Rhymed Cluster
instead of one. An example of this is found in "Animal Fair," whose
rhyming may be represented by the lettering</p>

<table class="lettering" border="0" summary="Divided Rhymed Cluster 2">
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
<tr><td>(b</td></tr>
<tr><td>(b</td></tr>
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
</table>

<p><i>IV c.</i> The Supplemented Rhymed Clusters. They are well represented in
Negro Rhymes. Some have a single supplement as in "Negroes Never Die,"
whose rhyming is lettered</p>

<table class="lettering" border="0" summary="Supplemented Rhymed Cluster 1">
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
<tr><td>(a-x</td></tr>
</table>

<p>Some have double supplements as in "Frog Went a-Courting" whose rhyming
is lettered</p>

<table class="lettering" border="0" summary="Supplemented Rhymed Cluster 2">
<tr><td>(a-x</td></tr>
<tr><td>(a</td></tr>
<tr><td>(a-x</td></tr>
</table>

<p>Now Negroes did not retain, permanently, meaningless words in their
Rhymes. The Rhymes themselves were "calls" and had meaning. The
"sponses," such as "Holly Dink," "Jing-Jang," "Oh, fare you well,"
"'Tain't gwineter rain no more," etc., that had no meaning, died year
after year and new "sponses" and songs came into existence.</p>

<p>Let us see what these permanently retained seemingly senseless
Supplements mean.</p>

<p><!-- Page 295 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span></p><p>In "Frog Went a-Courting" we see the Supplement "uh-huh! uh-huh!" It is
placed in the midst to keep vividly before the mind of the listener the
ardent singing of the frog in Spring during his courtship season, while
we hear a recounting of his adventures. It is to this Simple Rhyme what
stage scenery is to the Shakespearian play or the Wagnerian opera. It
seems to me (however crude his verse) that the Negro has here suggested
something new to the field of poetry. He suggests that, while one
recounts a story or what not, he could to advantage use words at the
same time having no bearing on the story to depict the surroundings or
settings of the production. The gifted Negro poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar,
has used the supplement in this way in one of his poems. The poem is
called "A Negro Love Song." The little sentence, "Jump back, Honey, jump
back," is thrown in, in the midst and at the end of each stanza.
Explaining it, the following is written by a friend, at the heading of
this poem:</p>

<p>"During the World's Fair he (Mr. Dunbar) served for a short time as a
hotel waiter. When the Negroes were not busy they had a custom of
congregating and talking about their sweethearts. Then a man with a tray
would come along and, as the<!-- Page 296 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> dining-room was frequently crowded, he
would say when in need of passing room, 'Jump back, Honey, jump back.'
Out of the commonplace confidences, he wove the musical little
composition&mdash;'A Negro Love Song.'"</p>

<p>Now, this line, "Jump back, Honey, jump back," was used by Mr. Dunbar to
recall and picture before the mind the scurrying hotel waiter as he
bragged to his fellows of his sweetheart and told his tales of
adventure. It is the "stage scenery" method used by the slave Negro
verse maker. Mr. Dunbar uses this style also in "A Lullaby,"
"Discovered," "Lil' Gal" and "A Plea." Whether he used it knowingly in
all cases, or whether he instinctively sang in the measured strains of
his benighted ancestors, I do not know.</p>

<p>The Supplement was used in another way in Negro Folk Dance Rhymes. I
have already explained how the Rhymes were used in a general way in the
Dance. Let us glance at the Dance Rhyme "Juba" with its Supplement,
"Juba! Juba!" to illustrate this special use of the Supplement. "Juba"
itself was a kind of dance step. Now let us imagine two dancers in a
circle of men to be dancing while the following lines are being patted
and repeated:</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 297 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span>
<span class="i0">"Juba Circle, raise de latch,<br /></span>
<span class="i0">Juba dance dat Long Dog Scratch, Juba! Juba!"<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>While this was being patted and repeated, the dancers within the circle
described a circle with raised foot and ended doing a dance step called
"Dog Scratch." Then when the Supplement "Juba! Juba!" was said the whole
circle of men joined in the dance step "Juba" for a few moments. Then
the next stanza would be repeated and patted with the same general order
of procedure.</p>

<p>The Supplement, then, in the Dance Rhyme was used as the signal for all
to join in the dance for a while at intervals after they had witnessed
the finished foot movements of their most skilled dancers.</p>

<p>The Supplement was used in a third way in Negro Rhymes. This is
illustrated by the Rhyme, "Anchor Line" where the Supplement is "Dinah."
This was a Play Song and was commonly used as such, but the Negro boy
often sang such a song to his sweetheart, the Negro father to his child,
etc. When such songs were sung on other occasions than the Play, the
name of the person to whom it was being sung was often substituted for
the name Dinah. Thus it would be sung</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<!-- Page 298 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span>
<span class="i0">"I'se gwine out on de Anchor Line&mdash;Mary," etc.<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>The Supplement then seems to have been used in some cases to broaden the
scope of direct application of the Rhyme.</p>

<p>The last use of the Supplement to be mentioned is closely related in its
nature to the "stage scenery" use already mentioned. This kind of
Supplement is used to depict the mental condition or attitude of an
individual passing through the experiences being related. Good examples
are found in "My First and My Second Wife" where we have the
Supplements, "Now wusn't I sorrowful in mind," etc.; and in "Stinky
Slave Owners" with its Supplements "Eh-Eh!" "Sho-sho!" etc.</p>

<p>The Negro Rhymes here and there also have some kind of little
introductory word or line to each stanza. I consider this also something
peculiar to Negro Rhyme. I have named these little introductory words or
sentences the "Verse Crown." They are receivers into which verses are
set and serve as dividing lines in the production. As the reader knows,
the portion of the ring which receives the gems and sets them into a
harmonious whole is called the "Crown." Having borrowed the terms
Solitaire, Doublet, etc., for the verses, the name for<!-- Page 299 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> these
introductory words and lines automatically became "Verse Crown."</p>

<p>Just as I have figuratively termed the Supplements in one place "stage
scenery," so I may with equal propriety term the "Verse Crown" the
"rise" or the "fall" of the stage curtain. They separate the little Acts
of the Rhymes into scenes. As an example read the comic little Rhyme "I
Walked the Roads." The word "Well" to the first stanza marks the raising
of the curtain and we see the ardent Negro boy lover nonsensically
prattling to the one of his fancy about everything in creation until he
is so tired that he can scarcely stand erect. The curtain drops and
rises with the word "Den." In this, the second scene, he finally gets
around to the point where he makes all manner of awkward protestations
of love. The hearer of the Rhyme is left laughing, with a sort of
satisfactory feeling that possibly he succeeded in his suit and possibly
he didn't. Among the many examples of Rhymes where verse crowns serve as
curtains to divide the Acts into scenes may be mentioned "I Wish I Was
an Apple," "Rejected by Eliza Jane," "Courtship," "Plaster," "The Newly
Weds," and "Four Runaway Negroes."</p>

<p>Though the stanzas in Negro Rhymes commonly have just one kind of
rhyming, in some cases as many<!-- Page 300 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> as three of the systems of rhyming are
found in one stanza. I venture to suggest the calling of those with one
system "Simple Rhymed Stanzas;" those with two, "Complex Rhymed
Stanzas;" those with more than two "Complicated Complex Rhymed Stanzas."</p>

<p>I next call attention to the seeming parodies found occasionally among
Negro Rhymes. The words of most Negro parodies are such that they are
not fit for print. We have recorded three: "He Paid Me Seven," Parody on
"Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep," and Parody on "Reign, Master Jesus,
Reign." We can best explain the nature of the Negro Parody by taking
that beautiful and touching well-known Jubilee song, "Steal Away to
Jesus" and briefly recounting the story of its origin. Its history is
well known. We hope the reader will not be disappointed when we say that
this song is a parody in the sense in which Negroes composed and used
parodies.</p>

<p>The words around which the whole song ranges itself are "Steal away to
Jesus, I hain't got long to stay here." Now the slave Negroes on the far
away plantations of the South occasionally met in the dead of night in
some secluded lonely spot for a religious meeting even when they had
been forbidden to do so by their masters. So they made up this song,<!-- Page 301 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>
"Steal away to Jesus, I hain't got long to stay here." Late in the
afternoons when the slaves on any plantation sang it, it served as a
notice to slaves on other plantations that a secret religious meeting
was to be held that night at the place formerly mutually agreed upon for
meetings.</p>

<p>Now here is where the parody comes in under the Negro standard: To the
slave master the words meant that his good, obedient slaves were only
studying how to be good and to get along peaceably, because they
considered, after all, that their time upon earth was short and not of
much consequence; but to the listening Negro it meant both a
notification of a meeting and slaves disobedient enough to go where they
wanted to go. To the listening master it meant that the Negro was
thinking of what a short time it would be before he would die and leave
the earth, but to the listening slaves it meant that he was thinking of
how short a time it would be before he left the cotton field for a
pleasant religious meeting. All these meanings were truly literally
present but the meaning apparent depended upon the viewpoint of the
listener. It was composed thus, so that if the master suspected the
viewpoint of the slave hearers, the other viewpoint, intended for him,
might be held out in strong relief.</p>

<p><!-- Page 302 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span></p><p>Now let us consider the parodies recorded in our Collection. The Parody
on the beautiful little child prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep" is
but the bitter protest from the heart of the woman who, after putting
the little white children piously repeating this child prayer, "Now I
lay me down to sleep," in their immaculate beds, herself retired to a
vermin infested cabin with no time left for cleaning it. It was a tirade
against the oppressor but the comic, good-natured "It means nothing" was
there to be held up to those calling the one repeating it to task. The
parody on "Reign, Master Jesus, Reign!" when heard by the Master meant
only a good natured jocular appeal to him for plenty of meat and bread,
but with the Negro it was a scathing indictment of a Christian earthly
master who muzzled those who produced the food. "He Paid Me Seven" is a
mock at the white man for failing to practice his own religion but the
clown mask is there to be held up for safety to any who may see the
<i>real</i> side and take offense.</p>

<p>Slave parodies, then, are little Rhymes capable of two distinct
interpretations, both of which are true. They were so composed that if a
slave were accused through one interpretation, he could and would
truthfully point out the other meaning to the accuser and thus escape
serious trouble.</p>

<p><!-- Page 303 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p><p>Under all the classes of Negro Rhymes, with the exception of the one
Marriage Ceremony Rhyme, there were those which were sung and played on
instruments. Since instrumental music called into existence some of the
very best among Negro Rhymes it seems as if a little ought to be said
concerning the Negro's instruments. Banjos and fiddles (violins) were
owned only limitedly by antebellum Negroes. Those who owned them
mastered them to such a degree that the memory of their skill will long
<ins class="correction" title="original reads: linger,">linger.</ins> These instruments are familiar and need no discussion.</p>

<p>Probably the Negro's most primitive instrument, which he could call his
very own, was "Quills." It is mentioned in the story, "Brother Fox,
Brother Rabbit, and King Deer's Daughter" which I have already quoted at
some length. If the reader will notice in this story he will see, after
the singing of the first stanza by the rabbit and fox, a description in
these words, "Den de quills and de tr'angle, dey come in, an' den Br'er
Rabbit pursue on wid de call." Here we have described in the Negro's own
way the long form of instrumental music composition which we have
hitherto discussed, and "quills" and "tr'angles" are given as the
instruments.</p>

<p>In my early childhood I saw many sets of "Quills." They were short reed
pipes, closed at one<!-- Page 304 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> end, made from cane found in our Southern
canebrakes. The reed pipes were made closed at one end by being so cut
that the bottom of each was a node of the cane. These pipes were
"whittled" square with a jack knife and were then wedged into a wooden
frame, and the player blew them with his mouth. The "quills," or reed
pipes, were cut of such graduated lengths that they constituted the
Negro's peculiar music Scale. The music intervals though approximating
those of the Caucasian scale were not the same. At times, when in a
reminiscent humor, I hum to myself some little songs of my childhood. On
occasions, afterwards, I have "picked out" some of the same tunes on the
piano. When I have done this I have always felt like giving its
production on the piano the same greeting that I gave a friend who had
once worn a full beard but had shaved. My greeting was "Hello, friend A;
I came near not knowing you."</p>

<div class="figcenter" style="width: 239px;">
<span class="caption">A LITTLE SET OF QUILLS</span>
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-fig1quills.png" width="239" height="400" alt="" title="" />
<span class="caption smcap">Figure I</span>
</div>

<p>"Quills" were made in two sets. They were known as a "Little Set of
Quills" and a "Big Set of Quills." There were five reeds in the Little
Set but I do not know how many there were in a Big Set. I think there
were more than twice as many as in a Little Set. I have inserted a cut
of a Little Set of "Quills." (Figure I.) The fact that I<!-- Page 305 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> was in the
class of "The Little Boy Who Couldn't Count Seven" when I saw and
handled quills makes it necessary to explain how it comes that I am sure
of the number of "Quills" in a "Little Set." I recall the intricate tune
that could be played only by the performer's putting in the lowest
pitched note with his voice. I am herewith presenting that tune, and
"blocking out" the voice note there are only five notes left, thus I
know there were five "Quills" in the set. I thought a tune played on a
"Big Set"<!-- Page 306 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span> might be of interest and so I am giving one of those also. If
there be those who would laugh at the crudity of "Quills" it might not
be amiss to remember in justice to the inventors that "Quills"
constitute a pipe organ in its most rudimentary form.</p>

<h5>TUNE PLAYED ON A LITTLE SET OF QUILLS</h5>
<div class="figcenter" style="width: 452px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-littlequills.png" width="452" height="284" alt="Tune for Little Quills Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>

<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-321a-littlequills.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<h5>TUNE PLAYED ON A BIG SET OF QUILLS</h5>
<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
<img src="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-bigquills.png" width="450" height="563" alt="Tune for Big Quills Musical Notation" title="" />
</div>

<p class="center"><a href="https://brian.carnell.com/wiki/_media/etext:t:thomas-washington-talley-negro-folk-rhymes-321b-322-bigquills.midi">[Listen]</a></p>

<p><!-- Page 307 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>
The "tr'angle" or triangle mentioned as the other primitive instrument
used by the rabbit and fox in serenading King Deer's family was only the
U-shaped iron clives which with its pin was used for hitching horses to
a plow. The antebellum Negro often suspended this U-shaped clives by a
string and beat it with its pin along with the playing on "Quills" much
after the order that a drum is beaten. These crude instruments produced
music not of unpleasant<!-- Page 308 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> strain and inspired the production of some of
the best Negro Rhymes.</p>

<p>I would next consider for a little the origin of the subject matter
found in Negro Rhymes. When the Negro sings "Master Is Six Feet One Way"
or "The Alabama Way" there is no question where the subject matter came
from. But when he sings of animals, calling them all "Brother" or
"Sister," and "Bought Me a Wife," etc., the origin of the conception and
subject matter is not so clear. I now come to the question: From whence
came such subject matter?</p>

<p>First of all, Mr. Joel Chandler Harris, in his introduction to "Nights
with Uncle Remus," has shown that the Negro stories of our country have
counterparts in the Kaffir Tales of Africa. He therefore leaves strong
grounds for inference that the American Negroes probably brought the dim
outlines of their Br'er Rabbit stories along with them when they came
from Africa. I have already pointed out that some of the Folk Rhymes
belong to these Br'er Rabbit stories. Since the origin of the subject
matter of one is the origin of the subject matter of the other, it
follows that we are reasonably sure of the origin of such Folk Rhymes
because of the "counterpart" data presented by Mr. Harris.<!-- Page 309 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> But I have
been fortunate enough recently to secure direct evidence that one of the
American Negro stories recorded by Mr. Harris came from Africa.</p>

<p>While collecting our Rhymes, I asked Dr. C. C. Fuller of the South
African Mission, at Chikore, Melsetter, Rhodesia, Africa, for an African
Rhyme in Chindau. I might add parenthetically: I have never seen
pictures of a cruder or more primitive people than these people who
speak Chindau. He obtained and sent me the Rhyme "The Turkey Buzzard"
found in our Foreign Section. It was given to him by the Reverend J. E.
Hatch of the South African General Mission. Along with this rhyme came
the following in his kind and obliging letter: "We thought the story of
how the Crocodile got its scaly skin might be of interest also":</p>

<p>"Why the Crocodile Has a Hard, Scaly Skin."</p>

<p>"Long ago the Crocodile had a soft skin like that of the other animals.
He used to go far from the rivers and catch animals and children and by
so doing annoyed the people very much. So one day when he was far away
from water, they surrounded him and set the grass on fire on every side,
so that he could not escape to the river without passing through the
fire. The fire overtook him and scorched and seared his back, so that
from that day<!-- Page 310 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> his skin has been hard and scaly, and he no longer goes
far from the rivers."</p>

<p>This is about as literal an outline of the American Negro story "Why the
Alligator's Back is Rough" as one could have. The slight difference is
that the direct African version mixes people in with the plot. This
along with Mr. Harris's evidences practically establishes the fact that
the Negro animal story outlines came with the Negroes themselves from
Africa and would also render it practically certain that many animal
rhymes came in the same way since these Rhymes in many cases accompany
the stories.</p>

<p>Then there are Rhymes, not animal Rhymes, which seem to carry plainly in
their thought content a probable African origin. In the Rhyme, "Bought
Me a Wife," there is not only the mentioning of buying a wife, but there
is the setting forth of feeding her along with guineas, chickens, etc.,
out under a tree. Such a conception does not fit in with American slave
life but does fit into widely prevailing conditions found in Africa.</p>

<p>Read the last stanza of "Ration Day," where the slave sings of going
after death to a land where there are trees that bear fritters and where
there are ponds of honey. Surely there is nothing in America to<!-- Page 311 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> suggest
such thoughts, but such thoughts might have come from Africa where
natives gather their fruit from the bread tree and dip it into honey
gathered from the forests.</p>

<p>Read "When My Wife Dies." This is a Dance Rhyme Song. When the Rhymer
chants in seemingly light vein in our hearing that he will simply get
another wife when his wife dies, we turn away our faces in disgust, but
we turn back almost amazed when he announces in the immediately
succeeding lines that his heart will sorrow when she is gone because
none better has been created among women. The dance goes on and we
almost see grim Death himself smile as the Rhymer closes his Dance Song
with directions not to bury him deep, and to put bread in his hand and
molasses at his feet that he may eat on the way to the "Promised Land."</p>

<p>If you had asked a Negro boy in the days gone by what this Dance Rhyme
Song meant, he would have told you that he didn't know, that it was
simply an old song he had picked up from somewhere. Thus he would go
right along thoughtlessly singing or repeating and passing the Rhyme to
others. The dancing over the dead and the song which accompanied it
certainly had no place in American life. But do you ask where there was
such a place? Get Dr.<!-- Page 312 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> William H. Sheppard's "Presbyterian Pioneers in
Congo" and read on page 136 the author's description of the behavior of
the Africans in Lukenga's Land on the day following the death of one of
their fellow tribesmen. It reads in part as follows: "The next day
friends from neighboring villages joined with these and in their best
clothes danced all day. These dances are to cheer up the bereaved family
and to run away evil spirits." Dr. Sheppard also tells us that in one of
the tribes in Africa where he labored, a kind of funnel was pushed down
into the grave and down this funnel food was dropped for the deceased to
feed upon. I have heard from other missionaries to other parts of Africa
similar accounts. The minute you suppose the Rhyme "When My Wife Dies"
to have had its origin in Africa, the whole thought content is
explained. Of course the stanza concerning the pickling of the bones in
alcohol is probably of American origin but I doubt not that the thought
of the "key verses" came from Africa.</p>

<p>These Rhymes whose thought content I have just discussed I consider only
illustrative of the many Rhymes whose thought drift came from Africa.</p>

<p>Many of the Folk Rhymes fall under the heading commonly denominated
"Nature Rhymes." By actual<!-- Page 313 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> count more than a hundred and fifty recorded
by the writer have something in their stanzas concerning some animal. I
do not think the makers of these Rhymes were makers of Nature Rhymes in
the ordinary sense of the term. It would really be more to the point to
call them "Animal Rhymes" instead of "Nature Rhymes." With the exception
of about a half dozen Rhymes which mention some kind of tree or plant,
all the other Rhymes with Nature allusions pertain to animals. The Uncle
Remus stories recorded by Joel Chandler Harris are practically all
animal stories. I have said in my foregoing discussion that the Negro
communed with Nature and she gave him Rhymes for amusement. This is
true, but when we say "communed" we simply express a vague intangible
something the existence of which lives somewhere in a kind of mental
fiction.</p>

<p>Though I was brought up with the Rhymes I make no pretensions that I
really know why so many of them were made concerning the animal world. I
have heard no Negro tradition on this point. I have thought much on it
and I now beg the reader to walk with me over the peculiar paths along
which my mind has swept in its search for the truth of this mystery of
Animal Rhyme.</p>

<p>Before the great American Civil War the Negro<!-- Page 314 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> slave preachers could
not, as a class, read and they were taught their Bible texts by white
men, commonly their owners. The texts taught them embraced most of the
central truths of our Bible. The subjects upon which the antebellum
Negro preached, however, were comparatively few. Of course a very few
antebellum Negro preachers could read. In case of these individuals
their texts and subjects were scarcely limited by the "lids" of the
Bible. I heard scores of these men preach in my childhood days.</p>

<p>The following subjects embrace about all those known to the average of
these slave preachers. 1. Joshua. 2. Samson. 3. The Ark. 4. Jacob. 5.
Pharaoh and Moses. 6. Daniel. 7. Ezekiel&mdash;vision of the valley of dry
bones. 8. Judgment Day. 9. Paul and Silas in jail. 10. Peter. 11. John's
vision on the Isle of Patmos. 12. Jesus Christ&mdash;his love and his
miracles. 13. "Servants, obey your Masters."</p>

<p>Now it is strange enough that the ignorant slave, while adopting his
Master's religious topics, refused to adopt his hymns and proceeded to
make his own songs and to cluster all these songs in thought around the
Bible subjects with which he was acquainted. If the reader will get
nearly any copy of Jubilee Songs he will find that the larger number
group themselves<!-- Page 315 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span> about Jesus Christ and the others cluster about Moses,
Daniel, Judgment Day, etc., subjects partially known and handled by the
preachers in their sermons. There is just one exception. There is no
Jubilee Song on "Servants, obey your Masters." We shall leave for the
"feeble" imagination of the reader the reason why. The Negroes
practically left out of their Jubilee Songs, Jeremiah, Job, Abraham,
Isaac, Solomon, Samuel, Ezra, Mark, Luke, John, James, The Psalms, The
Proverbs, etc., simply because these subjects did not fall among those
taught them as preaching subjects.</p>

<p>Now let us consider for a while the Negro's religion in Africa. Turning
to Bettanny's "The World's Religions" we learn the following facts about
aboriginal African worship.</p>

<p>The Bushmen worshiped a Caddis worm and an antelope (a species of deer).
The Damaras believed that they and all living creatures descended from a
kind of tree and they worshiped that tree. The Mulungu worshiped
alligators and lion-shaped idols. The Fantis considered snakes and many
other animals messengers of spirits. The Dahomans worshiped snakes, a
silk tree, a poison tree and a kind of ocean god whom they called Hu.</p>

<p>Now turning our attention to Negro Folk<!-- Page 316 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> Rhymes we find them clustering
around the animals of aboriginal African Folk worship. The Negro stories
recorded by Mr. Harris center around these animals also. In the Folk
Rhyme "Walk Tom Wilson" our hero steps on an alligator. In "The Ark" the
lion almost breaks out of his enclosure of palings. In one rhyme the
snake is described as descended from the Devil and then the Devil
figures prominently in many Rhymes. Then we have "Green Oak Tree
Rocky-o" answering to the tree worship.</p>

<p>I have placed in our collection of Rhymes a small foreign section
including African Rhymes. I have recorded precious few but those few are
enough to show two things. (1) That the Negro of savage Africa has the
rhyme-making habit and probably has always had it, and thus the American
Negro brought this habit with him to America. (2) That a small handful
from darkest Africa contains stanzas on the owl, the frog, and the
turkey buzzard just like the American rhymes.</p>

<p>Knowing that the Negro made rhymes in Africa, and knowing that he
centered his Jubilee Song words around his American Christian religion,
is it not reasonable to suppose that he centered his secular or African
Rhymes around his African religion? He must have done so unless he
changed<!-- Page 317 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> all his rhyme-making habits after coming to America, for he
certainly clustered his American verse largely around his religion.
Assuming this to be true the large amount of animal lore in Negro rhyme
and story is at once explained.</p>

<p>Possibly the greatest hindrance to one's coming to this conclusion is
the fact that the Rabbit and some other animals found in Negro rhyme and
story do not appear in the records among those worshiped by aboriginal
Africans. The known record of the Africans' early religion covers only a
very few pages. Christians have not been willing to spend any time to
speak of in investigating the religions of the primitive and the lowly.
Thus if these animals were widely worshiped it would not be strange if
we should never have heard of it. Let us consider what is known,
however.</p>

<p>Taking up the matter of the rabbit Mr. John McBride, Jr., had a very
fine and lengthy discussion on "Br'er Rabbit in the Folk Tales of the
Negro and other Races" in <i>The Sewanee Review</i>, April, 1911. On page 201
of that journal's issue we find these words: "Among the Hottentots, for
example, there is a story in which the hare appears in the moon and of
which several versions are extant. The story goes that the moon sent the
hare to the earth<!-- Page 318 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span> to inform men that, as she died away and rose again,
so should all men die and again come to life," etc. I drop the story
here because so much of it suffices my purpose. It brings out the fact
that the African here had probably truly considered the Rabbit as a
messenger of the moon. Now the fact that the Hottentots were thus
talking in lore of receiving messages concerning immortality from the
moon means there must have been at least a time in their history when
they considered the Moon a kind of super-being, a kind of god.</p>

<p>I quote again from Dr. Sheppard's "Presbyterian Pioneers in Congo," page
113. "King Lukenga offers up a sacrifice of a goat or lamb on every new
moon. The blood is sprinkled on a large idol in his own fetich house, in
the presence of all his counselors. This sacrifice is for the
healthfulness of all the King's country, for the crops," etc.</p>

<p>I think after considering the foregoing one will see that there are
those of Africa who connect their worship with the moon. We learn also
that there are those who claim the rabbit to be the moon's messenger.
From this, if we should accept the theory for Animal Rhymes advanced, we
would easily see why the rabbit as a messenger of a god or gods would
figure so largely in Rhyme and in story. We<!-- Page 319 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> also would easily see how
and why as a messenger of a god he would become "Brother Rabbit." If one
will read the little Rhyme "Jaybird" he will notice that the rhymer
places the intelligence of the rabbit above his own. Our theory accounts
for this.</p>

<p>I would next consider the frog, but I imagine I hear the reader saying:
"That is not a beginning. How about your bear, terrapin, wolf, squirrel,
etc.?"</p>

<p>Seeing that I am faced by so large an array of animals, I beg the reader
to walk with me through just one more little path of thought and with
his consent I shall leave the matter there.</p>

<p>We see, in two of our African Rhymes, lines on a buzzard and an owl; yet
these African natives do not worship these birds. The American Negro
children of my childhood repeated Folk Rhymes concerning the rabbit, the
fox, etc., without any thought whatever of worshiping them. These
American children had received the whole through dim traditional rhymes
and stories and engaged in passing them on to others without any special
thought. The uncivilized and the unlettered hand down everything by word
of mouth. Religion, trades, superstition, medicine, sense, and nonsense
all flow in the same stream and from this stream all is drunk down
without question. If therefore the Negro's rhyme-clustering<!-- Page 320 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> habit in
America was the same as it had ever been and the centering of rhymes
about animals is due to a former worship of them in Africa, the verses
would include not only the animals worshiped in modern Africa but in
ancient Africa. The verses would take in animals included in any
accepted African religion antedating the comparatively recent religions
found there.</p>

<p>The Bakuba tribe have a tradition of their origin. Quoting from Dr.
Sheppard's book again, page 114, we have the following: "From all the
information I can gather, they (the Bakuba) migrated from the far North,
crossed rivers and settled on the high table land." Here is one
tradition, standing as a guide post, with its hand pointing toward
Egypt. A one fact premise practically never forms a safe basis for a
conclusion, but when we couple this tradition with the fact that, so far
as we know, men originated in Southwest Asia and therefore probably came
into Africa by way of the Isthmus of Suez, I think the case of the
Bakuba hand pointing toward a near Egyptian residence a strong one. Now
turn to your Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. X, ninth edition, with
American revisions and additions, to the article on "Glass," page 647.
Near the bottom of the second column on that page we read: "The<!-- Page 321 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span>
Phoenicians probably derived this knowledge of the art (of glass making)
from Egypt. * * * It seems probable that the earliest products of the
industry of Phoenicia in the art of glass making are the colored beads
which have been found in almost all parts of Europe, in India, and other
parts of Asia, and in <i>Africa</i>. The "aggry" beads so much valued by the
<i>Ashantees and other natives</i> of that part of Africa which lies near the
Gold Coast, have <i>probably</i> the same origin. * * * Their wide dispersion
may be referred with much probability to their having been objects of
barter between the Phoenician merchants and the barbarous inhabitants of
the various countries with which they traded." Here are evidences, then,
that the African in his prehistoric days traded with somebody who
bartered in beads of Phoenician or Egyptian make. I say Egyptian or
Phoenician because if the Phoenicians got this art from the Egyptians I
think it would be very difficult for those who lived thousands of years
afterward to be sure in which country a specific bead was made, the art
as practiced by one country being a kind of copy of the art as practiced
in the other country. With the historic record that the Phoenicians were
the great traders of the Ancient World our writers attributed the
carrying of the beads into Africa, among the natives,<!-- Page 322 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> to the
Phoenicians. Without questioning these time-honored conclusions, we do
know that Egyptian caravans still make journeys into the interior of
Africa for the purpose of trade. Shall we think this trading practice on
the part of Egypt in Africa one of recent origin or probably one that
runs back through the centuries? I see no reason for believing this
trading custom to be other than an ancient one. If the ancient Egyptians
traded with the surrounding Africans and these Africans gradually
migrated South, as is stated in the Bakuba tradition, the whole matter
of how all kinds of animals got mixed into Negro Folk Rhymes by custom
becomes clear. It also will explain how animal worship got scattered
throughout Africa, for it is the unbroken history of the world that
traders of a race superior in attainment always somehow manage to carry
along their religion to the race inferior in attainment. The religious
emissaries generally follow along in the wake of the traders. If we make
the assumption, on the foregoing grounds, that the very ancient African
Negro got in touch with the religion of Ancient Egypt, then the
appearance of the frog, birds, etc., in Negro Rhyme is explained, for if
we read the lists of animal gods of Ancient Egypt and the animal states
through which spirits were<!-- Page 323 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> supposed to pass, we have no trouble finding
the list of animals extolled in Negro rhyme and story.</p>

<p>If Negro Rhyme has always centered about Negro religion, then when the
Negro was brought to America and began changing his religion, he should
have had some songs or rhymes on the dividing line between the old and
the new. In other words, there ought to be connecting links between
"secular" Folk Rhymes and Jubilee Songs, songs that by nature partake of
both types. This must happen in order to be in accord with the law of
the presence of connecting links where evolution produces a new type
from an old one. By using the procedure under Mendel's law of mating
like descendants from a cross between two and by eliminating those who
do not reproduce constant to the type which we are trying to produce, we
can produce a new and constant type in the third succeeding generation
of descendants.</p>

<p>Now the Negro slave turned quickly in America from heathenism to
Christianity. This was accomplished through white Christians correcting
and eliminating all thoughts and productions which hovered on the border
line between heathen ideals and Christianity. They used the Mendelian
procedure of eliminating all crosses that did not give a product with
Christian characteristics and thus necessarily<!-- Page 324 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> eliminated Rhymes or
songs of the connecting link type. They did a good thorough job but the
writer believes he sees two connecting links that escaped their
sensitive ears and sharp eyes. They are Jubilee songs; one is "Keep
inching along like a poor inch worm, Jesus will come by-and-by," the
other is "Go chain the lion down before the Heaven doors close."</p>

<p>The reader will recall that I have already shown that the worm and the
lion were connected with native African worship. Of course we all know
quite well that a "Caddis worm" is not an "Inch worm," but for a man
trying to turn from the old to the new, from idolatry to Christianity, a
closer relation than this might not be very comfortable neutral ground.</p>

<p>The following Folk Rhymes found in our collection might also pass for
connecting links: "Jawbone," "Outrunning the Devil," "How to Get to
Glory Land," "The Ark," "Destinies of Good and Bad Children," "How to
Keep or Kill the Devil," "Ration Day," and "When My Wife Dies." The
superstitions of the Negro Rhymes are possibly only fossils left in one
way or another by ancient native African worship.</p>

<p>In a few Rhymes the vice of stealing is either<!-- Page 325 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span> laughed at, or
apparently laughed at. Such Rhymes carry on their face a strictly
American slave origin. An example is found in "Christmas Turkey." If one
asks how I know its origin to be American, the answer is that the native
African had no such thing as Christmas and turkeys are indigenous to
America. In explanation of the origin of these "stealing" Rhymes I would
say that it was never the Negro slave's viewpoint that his hard-earned
productions righteously belonged to another. His whole viewpoint in all
such cases, where he sang in this kind of verse, is well summed up in
the last two lines of this little Rhyme itself:</p>

<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
<span class="i0">"I tuck mysef to my tucky roos',<br /></span>
<span class="i0">An' I brung <i>my</i> tucky home."<br /></span>
</div></div>

<p>To the Negro it was his turkey. This was the Negro slave view and
accounts for the origin and evolution of such verse. We leave to others
a fair discussion of the ethics and a righteous conclusion; only asking
them in fairness to conduct the discussion in the light of slave
conditions and slave surroundings.</p>

<p>In a few of the Folk Rhymes one stanza will be found to be longer than
any of the others. Now as to the origin of this, in the case of those
sung whose tunes I happen to know, the long stanza was used<!-- Page 326 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> as a kind
of chorus, while the other stanzas were used as song "verses." I
therefore think this is probably true in all cases. The reader will note
that the long stanza is written first in many cases. This is because the
Negro habitually begins his song with the Chorus, which is just the
opposite to the custom of the Caucasian who begins his ordinary songs
with the verse. This appears then to be the possible genesis of stanzas
of unequal length.</p>

<p>I have written this little treatise on the use, origin, and evolution of
the Negro Rhyme with much hesitation. I finally decided to do it only
because I thought a truthful statement of fact concerning Negro Folk
Rhymes might prove a help to those who are expert investigators in the
field of literature and who are in search of the origin of all Folk
literature and finally of all literature. The Negro being the last to
come to the bright light of civilization has given or probably will give
the last crop of Folk Rhymes. Human processes being largely the same, I
hope that my little personal knowledge of the Negro Rhymes may help
others in the other larger literary fields.</p>

<p>I am hoping that it may help and I am penning the last strokes to record
my sincere desire that it may in no way hinder.</p>

<p><!-- Page 327 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span></p>
<h2>GENERAL INDEX</h2>

<h3>Part I</h3>

<ul>
<li>A. B. C.,                                          <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
<li>Alabama Way, The,                                  <a href="#Page_164">164</a></li>
<li>Anchor Line,                                        <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
<li>Animal Attire,                                     <a href="#Page_158">158</a></li>
<li>Animal Fair,                                       <a href="#Page_159">159</a></li>
<li>Animal Persecutors,                                <a href="#Page_205">205</a></li>
<li>Antebellum Courtship Inquiry,                      <a href="#Page_135">135</a></li>
<li>Antebellum Marriage Proposal,                      <a href="#Page_137">137</a></li>
<li>Are You Careful,                                   <a href="#Page_203">203</a></li>
<li>Ark, The,                                           <a href="#Page_44">44</a></li>
<li>As I Went to Shiloh,                                <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
<li>Aspiration,                                        <a href="#Page_159">159</a></li>
<li>Aunt Dinah Drunk,                                   <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
<li>Aunt Jemima,                                       <a href="#Page_107">107</a></li>
<li>Awful Harbingers,                                  <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Baa! Baa! Black Sheep,                              <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
<li>Baby Wants Cherries,                               <a href="#Page_181">181</a></li>
<li>Bad Features,                                      <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
<li>Banjo Picking, The,                                 <a href="#Page_21">21</a></li>
<li>Bat! Bat!                                          <a href="#Page_202">202</a></li>
<li>Bedbug,                                            <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
<li>Bitter Lovers' Quarrel, A,                         <a href="#Page_127">127</a></li>
<li>Black-eyed Peas For Luck,                          <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
<li>Blessings,                                         <a href="#Page_204">204</a></li>
<li>Blindfold Play Chant,                               <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
<li>Bob-White's Song,                                  <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
<li>Bought Me a Wife,                                  <a href="#Page_145">145</a></li>
<li>Brag and Boast,                                    <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
<li>Bridle up a Rat,                                   <a href="#Page_157">157</a>
<!-- Page 328 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span></li>
<li>Bring on your Hot Corn,                             <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
<li>Brother Ben and Sister Sal,                         <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
<li>Buck and Berry,                                    <a href="#Page_172">172</a></li>
<li>Buck-eyed Rabbit! Whoopee!,                        <a href="#Page_175">175</a></li>
<li>Budget, A,                                          <a href="#Page_79">79</a></li>
<li>Bull Frog Put on the Soldier Clothes,               <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
<li>Butterfly,                                         <a href="#Page_182">182</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Captain Coon,                                      <a href="#Page_176">176</a></li>
<li>Captain Dime,                                        <a href="#Page_5">5</a></li>
<li>Care in Bread-making,                              <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
<li>Caught by the Witch Play,                           <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
<li>Chicken in the Bread Tray,                           <a href="#Page_7">7</a></li>
<li>Chicken Pie,                                        <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
<li>Children's Seating Rhyme,                          <a href="#Page_179">179</a></li>
<li>Christmas Turkey,                                   <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
<li>Chuck Will's Widow Song,                           <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
<li>Clandestine Letter, A,                             <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
<li>Coffee Grows on White Folks' Trees,                <a href="#Page_107">107</a></li>
<li>College Ox, The,                                   <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
<li>Cooking Dinner,                                    <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
<li>Cotton-eyed Joe,                                    <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
<li>Courting Boy, The,                                 <a href="#Page_141">141</a></li>
<li>Courtship,                                         <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li>
<li>Cow Needs a Tail in Fly-time, The,                  <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
<li>Crooked Nose Jane,                                  <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
<li>Crossing a Foot-Log,                               <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
<li>Crossing the River,                                  <a href="#Page_6">6</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li><ins class="correction" title="original reads: Day's Happenings, A,">Day's Happiness, A,</ins>                               <a href="#Page_125">125</a></li>
<li>Deedle, Dumpling,                                   <a href="#Page_171">171</a></li>
<li>Destinies of Good and Bad Children,                <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
<li>Destitute Former Slave Owners,                      <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
<li>Devilish Pigs,                                      <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
<li>Did You Feed My Cow?                                <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
<li>Die in the Pig-Pen Fighting,                        <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
<li>Dinah's Dinner Horn,                                <a href="#Page_18">18</a></li>
<li>Do I Love You?                                     <a href="#Page_129">129</a>
<!-- Page 329 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span></li>
<li>Does Money Talk?,                                  <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
<li>Don't Ask Me Questions,                             <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
<li>Don't Sing before Breakfast,                       <a href="#Page_186">186</a></li>
<li>Don't Tell All You Know,                           <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
<li>Doodle-Bug,                                        <a href="#Page_174">174</a></li>
<li>Down in the Lonesome Garden,                        <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
<li>Drinking Razor Soup,                               <a href="#Page_211">211</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Elephant, The,                                     <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
<li>End of Ten Little Negroes, The,                    <a href="#Page_163">163</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Fattening Frogs for Snakes,                         <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
<li>Fed From the Tree of Knowledge,                    <a href="#Page_212">212</a></li>
<li>Few Negroes by States, A,                          <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
<li>Fine Plaster, A,                                   <a href="#Page_124">124</a></li>
<li>Fishing Simon,                                     <a href="#Page_177">177</a></li>
<li>Flap-jacks,                                        <a href="#Page_196">196</a></li>
<li>Forty-four,                                         <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
<li>Four Runaway Negroes; Whence They Came,            <a href="#Page_205">205</a></li>
<li>Fox and Geese,                                      <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
<li>Fox and Geese Play,                                 <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
<li>Fox and Rabbit Drinking Propositions,              <a href="#Page_111">111</a></li>
<li>Frightened Away from a Chicken-Roost,               <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
<li>Frog in a Mill (Guinea or Ebo Rhyme),              <a href="#Page_167">167</a></li>
<li>Frog Went a-Courting,                              <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
<li>From Slavery,                                      <a href="#Page_162">162</a></li>
<li>Full Pocketbook, A,                                 <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Getting Ten Negro Boys Together,                 <a href="#Page_184">184</a></li>
<li>Go to Bed,                                         <a href="#Page_175">175</a></li>
<li>Going To Be Good Slaves,                           <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
<li>Good-by, Ring,                                      <a href="#Page_171">171</a></li>
<li>Good-by, Wife!,                                      <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
<li>Gooseberry Wine,                                    <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
<li>Goosie-Gander Play Rhyme,                           <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
<li>Grasshopper Sense,                                 <a href="#Page_169">169</a></li>
<li>Grasshopper Sitting on a Sweet Potato Vine,        <a href="#Page_173">173</a></li>
<li>Gray and Black Horses,                              <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
<li>Great Owl's Song, The,                             <a href="#Page_151">151</a>
<!-- Page 330 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span></li>
<li>Green Oak Tree! Rocky-o!,                           <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
<li>Guinea Gall,                                       <a href="#Page_176">176</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Half Way Doings,                                   <a href="#Page_120">120</a></li>
<li>Ham Beats all Meat,                                 <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
<li>Harvest Song,                                       <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
<li>Hated Blackbird and Crow, The,                     <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li>
<li>Hawk and Buzzard,                                   <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
<li>Hawk and Chickens,                                 <a href="#Page_185">185</a></li>
<li>Hawk and Chickens Play,                             <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
<li>He Is My Horse,                                     <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
<li>He Loves Sugar and Tea,                             <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
<li>He Paid Me Seven (Parody),                         <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
<li>He Will Get Mr. Coon,                               <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
<li>Hear-say,                                           <a href="#Page_114">114</a></li>
<li>Here Comes a Young Man Courting,                    <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
<li>Here I Stand,                                      <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
<li>Hoecake,                                           <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
<li>How to Get to Glory Land,                           <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
<li>How to Keep or Kill The Devil,                     <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
<li>How to Make it Rain,                               <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
<li>How to Plant and Cultivate Seeds,                  <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
<li>How to Please a Preacher,                          <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
<li>Hunting Camp, The,                                  <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>I am not Going to Hobo Any More,                    <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
<li>I Love Somebody,                                    <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
<li>I Walked the Roads,                                <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
<li>I Went down the Road,                               <a href="#Page_50">50</a></li>
<li>I Wish I Was an Apple,                             <a href="#Page_133">133</a></li>
<li>I Would not Marry a Black Girl,                     <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
<li>I Would not Marry A Yellow Or A White Negro Girl,   <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
<li>I'd rather Be a Negro than a Poor White Man,        <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
<li>I'll Eat When I'm Hungry,                          <a href="#Page_114">114</a></li>
<li>I'll Get You, Rabbit!,                              <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
<li>I'll Wear Me a Cotton Dress,                       <a href="#Page_118">118</a>
<!-- Page 331 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span></li>
<li>I'm a "Round-Town" Gentleman,                      <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
<li>If You Frown,                                      <a href="#Page_137">137</a></li>
<li>In '76,                                    <a href="#Page_178">178</a></li>
<li>In a Mulberry Tree,                                <a href="#Page_158">158</a></li>
<li>In a Rush,                                         <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li>
<li>Independent,                                       <a href="#Page_209">209</a></li>
<li>Indian Flea,                                        <a href="#Page_12">12</a></li>
<li>Invited to Take the Escort's Arm,                  <a href="#Page_135">135</a></li>
<li>It Is Hard to Love,                                <a href="#Page_132">132</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Jack and Dinah Want Freedom,                       <a href="#Page_215">215</a></li>
<li>Jackson, Put that Kettle On!,                        <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
<li>Jawbone,                                            <a href="#Page_12">12</a></li>
<li>Jaybird,                                            <a href="#Page_14">14</a></li>
<li>Jaybird Died with the Whooping Cough,               <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
<li>Joe and Malinda Jane,                                <a href="#Page_4">4</a></li>
<li>John Henry,                                        <a href="#Page_105">105</a></li>
<li>Johnny Bigfoot,                                     <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
<li>Jonah's Band Party,                                  <a href="#Page_1">1</a></li>
<li>Juba,                                                <a href="#Page_9">9</a></li>
<li>Judge Buzzard,                                      <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
<li>Jump Jim Crow,                                      <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Kept Busy,                                         <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
<li>Kissing Song,                                       <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
<li>Kneel on This Carpet,                               <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Last of Jack, The,                                 <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
<li>Learn to Count,                                    <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
<li>"Let's Marry" Courtship,                           <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li>
<li>Likes and Dislikes,                                 <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
<li>Little Boy Who Couldn't Count Seven,               <a href="#Page_160">160</a></li>
<li>Little Dogs,                                       <a href="#Page_150">150</a></li>
<li>Little Negro Fly, The,                             <a href="#Page_199">199</a></li>
<li>Little Pickaninny, A,                              <a href="#Page_186">186</a></li>
<li>Little Red Hen,                                     <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
<li>Little Rooster, The,                                <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
<li>Little Sister, Won't You Marry Me?                  <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
<li>Little Sleeping Negroes,                           <a href="#Page_187">187</a></li>
<li>Looking for a Fight,                               <a href="#Page_118">118</a>
<!-- Page 332 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span></li>
<li>Love Is Just a Thing of Fancy,                       <a href="#Page_2">2</a></li>
<li>Lovers' Good-night,                                 <a href="#Page_129">129</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Mamma's Darling,                                   <a href="#Page_188">188</a></li>
<li>Man of Words, A,                                   <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
<li>Master is Six Feet One Way,                         <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
<li>Master Killed a Big Bull,                          <a href="#Page_126">126</a></li>
<li>Master's "Stolen" Coat, The,                        <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
<li>Me and my Lover,                                   <a href="#Page_132">132</a></li>
<li>Miss Blodger,                                      <a href="#Page_199">199</a></li>
<li>Miss Slippy Sloppy,                                <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
<li>Miss Terrapin and Miss Toad,                       <a href="#Page_162">162</a></li>
<li>Molly Cottontail,                                    <a href="#Page_8">8</a></li>
<li>Mother Says I am Six Years Old,                    <a href="#Page_164">164</a></li>
<li>Mourning Slave Fiancees,                           <a href="#Page_129">129</a></li>
<li>Mud-Log Pond,                                       <a href="#Page_185">185</a></li>
<li>Mule's Kick, The,                                   <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
<li>Mule's Nature, The,                                <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
<li>My Baby,                                           <a href="#Page_180">180</a></li>
<li>My Dog, Cuff,                                      <a href="#Page_150">150</a></li>
<li>My Fiddle,                                          <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
<li>My First and my Second Wife,                       <a href="#Page_147">147</a></li>
<li>My Folks and your Folks,                           <a href="#Page_187">187</a></li>
<li>My Little Pig,                                     <a href="#Page_157">157</a></li>
<li>My Mule,                                           <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
<li>My Speckled Hen,                                   <a href="#Page_170">170</a></li>
<li>My Wonderful Travel,                                <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
<li>Mysterious Face Washing,                           <a href="#Page_174">174</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Nashville Ladies, The,                             <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
<li>Negro and the Policeman, The,                       <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
<li>Negro Baker Man,                                   <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
<li>Negro Soldier's Civil War Chant,                   <a href="#Page_115">115</a></li>
<li>Negroes Never Die,                                  <a href="#Page_11">11</a></li>
<li>Nesting,                                           <a href="#Page_180">180</a></li>
<li>Newly Weds, The,                                 <a href="#Page_144">144</a></li>
<li>No Room to Poke Fun,                                <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
<li>Nobody Looking,                                     <a href="#Page_48">48</a>
<!-- Page 333 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Off from Richmond,                                  <a href="#Page_15">15</a></li>
<li>Old Aunt Kate,                                     <a href="#Page_179">179</a></li>
<li>Old Black Gnats, The,                               <a href="#Page_80">80</a></li>
<li>Old Gray Mink,                                      <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
<li>Old Hen Cackled, The,                               <a href="#Page_50">50</a></li>
<li>Old Man Know-all,                                  <a href="#Page_211">211</a></li>
<li>Old Molly Hare,                                     <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
<li>Old Section Boss, The,                              <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
<li>Old Woman in the Hills, The,                        <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
<li>On Top of the Pot,                                  <a href="#Page_10">10</a></li>
<li>Opossum Hunt, An,                                   <a href="#Page_23">23</a></li>
<li>Origin of the Snake, The,                          <a href="#Page_165">165</a></li>
<li>Our Old Mule,                                      <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
<li>Outrunning the Devil,                              <a href="#Page_103">103</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Page's Geese,                                      <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
<li>Parody&mdash;He Paid Me Seven,                          <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
<li>Parody on "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep",            <a href="#Page_115">115</a></li>
<li>Parody on "Reign, Master Jesus! Reign!",            <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
<li>Paying Debts with Kicks,                           <a href="#Page_184">184</a></li>
<li>Peep Squirrel,                                      <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
<li>Periwinkle,                                        <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
<li>Pig Tail,                                           <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
<li>Plaster,                                            <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
<li>'Possum up the Gum Stump,                            <a href="#Page_3">3</a></li>
<li>Precious Things,                                    <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
<li>Presenting a Hat to Phoebe,                        <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
<li>Pretty Little Girl,                                <a href="#Page_172">172</a></li>
<li>Pretty Little Pink,                                <a href="#Page_127">127</a></li>
<li>Pretty Pair of Chickens, A,                        <a href="#Page_181">181</a></li>
<li>Pretty Polly Ann,                                  <a href="#Page_142">142</a></li>
<li>Promises of Freedom,                                <a href="#Page_25">25</a></li>
<li><ins class="correction" title="While listed in the Index, this rhyme does not appear anywhere in the text.">Push the Hog's Feet under the Bed,</ins></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Rabbit Hash,                                       <a href="#Page_203">203</a></li>
<li>Rabbit Soup,                                        <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
<li>Raccoon and Opossum Fight,                          <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
<li>Race-starter's Rhyme, A,                           <a href="#Page_180">180</a></li>
<li>Raise a "Rucus" To-night,                            <a href="#Page_90">90</a>
<!-- Page 334 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span></li>
<li>Randsome Tantsome,                                 <a href="#Page_202">202</a></li>
<li>Rascal, The,                                       <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
<li>Ration Day,                                         <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
<li>Rattler,                                            <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
<li>Raw Head and Bloody Bones,                         <a href="#Page_174">174</a></li>
<li>Redhead Woodpecker,                                <a href="#Page_178">178</a></li>
<li>Rejected by Eliza Jane,                            <a href="#Page_134">134</a></li>
<li>Request to Sell, A,                                <a href="#Page_123">123</a></li>
<li>Roses Red,                                         <a href="#Page_128">128</a></li>
<li>Run, Nigger, Run!,                                  <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Sail Away, Ladies!,                                 <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
<li>Sallie,                                             <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
<li>Salt-rising Bread,                                  <a href="#Page_83">83</a></li>
<li>Sam Is a Clever Fellow,                            <a href="#Page_151">151</a></li>
<li>Satan,                                              <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
<li>Self-control,                                      <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
<li>Sex Laugh,                                         <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
<li>Shake the Persimmons Down,                          <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
<li>She Hugged Me and Kissed Me,                       <a href="#Page_131">131</a></li>
<li>Sheep and Goat,                                     <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
<li>Sheep Shell Corn,                                   <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
<li>Shoo! Shoo!,                                       <a href="#Page_196">196</a></li>
<li>Short Letter, A,                                   <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
<li>Sick Wife, A,                                       <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
<li>Simon Slick's Mule,                                 <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
<li>Slave Marriage Ceremony Supplement,                <a href="#Page_143">143</a></li>
<li>Snail's Reply, The,                                <a href="#Page_170">170</a></li>
<li>Song to the Runaway Slave,                          <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
<li>Sparking or Courting,                              <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
<li>Speak Softly,                                      <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
<li>Stand Back, Black Man,                              <a href="#Page_10">10</a></li>
<li>Stealing a Ride,                                   <a href="#Page_188">188</a></li>
<li>Stick-a-ma-stew,                                   <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
<li>Still Water Creek,                                   <a href="#Page_2">2</a></li>
<li>Still Water Runs Deep,                             <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
<li>Strange Brood, A,                                  <a href="#Page_166">166</a></li>
<li>Strange Family, A,                                 <a href="#Page_171">171</a></li>
<li>Strange Old Woman, A,                              <a href="#Page_178">178</a>
<!-- Page 335 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span></li>
<li>Strong Hands,                                      <a href="#Page_167">167</a></li>
<li>Sugar in Coffee,                                    <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
<li>Sugar Loaf Tea,                                     <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
<li>Susan Jane,                                         <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
<li>Susie Girl,                                         <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
<li>Suze Ann,                                           <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
<li>Sweet Pinks and Roses,                              <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Tails,                                               <a href="#Page_5">5</a></li>
<li>Taking a Walk,                                     <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li>
<li>Teaching Table Manners,                            <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li>
<li>Temperance Rhyme,                                  <a href="#Page_209">209</a></li>
<li>That Hypocrite,                                    <a href="#Page_210">210</a></li>
<li>"They Steal" Gossip,                               <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
<li>This Sun is Hot,                                   <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
<li>Thrifty Slave, The,                                 <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
<li>To Win a Yellow Girl,                              <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
<li>Tongue, The,                                       <a href="#Page_212">212</a></li>
<li>Too Much Watermelon,                               <a href="#Page_182">182</a></li>
<li>Town Bird and the Country Bird, The,               <a href="#Page_166">166</a></li>
<li>Training the Boy,                                  <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
<li>Tree Frogs (Guinea or Ebo Rhyme),                  <a href="#Page_168">168</a></li>
<li>Turkey Funeral, A,                                 <a href="#Page_111">111</a></li>
<li>T-U-Turkey,                                          <a href="#Page_6">6</a></li>
<li>Turtle's Song, The,                                 <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
<li>Two Sick Negro Boys,                               <a href="#Page_173">173</a></li>
<li>Two Times One,                                     <a href="#Page_121">121</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Uncle Jerry Fants,                                 <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
<li>Uncle Ned,                                          <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Vinie,                                             <a href="#Page_130">130</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Walk, Talk, Chicken with your Head Pecked,           <a href="#Page_4">4</a></li>
<li>Walk, Tom Wilson,                                   <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
<li>Wanted: Cornbread and Coon,                         <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
<li>War is On, The,                                    <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
<li>Washing Mamma's Dishes,                            <a href="#Page_189">189</a></li>
<li>Watermelon Preferred,                              <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
<li>We Are "All the Go",                                 <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
<li>We'll Stick to the Hoe,                            <a href="#Page_123">123</a>
<!-- Page 336 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span></li>
<li>What Will We Do for Bacon?,                        <a href="#Page_185">185</a></li>
<li>When I Go to Marry,                                <a href="#Page_144">144</a></li>
<li>When I Was a Little Boy,                           <a href="#Page_168">168</a></li>
<li>When I Was a Roustabout,                           <a href="#Page_145">145</a></li>
<li>When My Wife Dies,                                  <a href="#Page_26">26</a></li>
<li>Why Look at Me,                                    <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
<li>Why the Woodpecker's Head Is Red,                  <a href="#Page_203">203</a></li>
<li>Wild Hog Hunt,                                     <a href="#Page_165">165</a></li>
<li>Wild Negro Bill,                                    <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
<li>Willie Wee,                                        <a href="#Page_189">189</a></li>
<li>Wind Bag, A,                                       <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
<li>Wooing,                                            <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Year of Jubilee, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
<li>You Had Better Mind Master, <a href="#Page_126">126</a></li>
<li>You Have Made Me Weep, <a href="#Page_128">128</a></li>
<li>You Love your Girl, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
<li>Young Master and Old Master, <a href="#Page_169">169</a></li>
</ul>

<h3>Foreign Section Index</h3>

<ul>
<li><i>African Rhymes</i>

<ul><li>  Byanswahn-Byanswahn,                             <a href="#Page_219">219</a></li>
<li>  Near Waldo Teedo o mah nah mejai,                <a href="#Page_216">216</a></li>
<li>  Sai Boddeoh Sumpun Komo,                         <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
<li>  The Frogs,                                       <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
<li>  The Owl,                                         <a href="#Page_217">217</a></li>
<li>  The Turkey Buzzard,                              <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
<li>  Tuba Blay,                                       <a href="#Page_217">217</a></li></ul></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li><i>A Philippine Island Rhyme</i>,                  <a href="#Page_227">227</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li><i>Trinidad Rhymes</i>

<ul>
<li>  A Tom Cat,                                       <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
<li><ins class="correction" title="original was not indented, and reads: Unbelle">Un Belle</ins> Marie Coolie,                           <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li></ul></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li><i>Jamaica Rhyme</i>

  <ul><li>Buscher Garden,                                  <a href="#Page_222">222</a></li></ul></li>
</ul>

<ul><li><i>Venezuelan Rhymes</i>

  <ul><li>A "Would Be" Immigrant,                          <a href="#Page_224">224</a></li>
  <li>Game Contestants' Song,                          <a href="#Page_223">223</a></li>
</ul></li>
</ul>

<p><!-- Page 337 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span></p>
<h3>Part II</h3>

<ul><li>A Study in Negro Folk Rhymes, <a href="#Page_228">228</a></li></ul>

<h2>COMPARATIVE STUDY INDEX</h2>

<h3 class="ital">Love Songs</h3>

<ul>
<li>Bitter Lovers' Quarrel; One Side,                  <a href="#Page_127">127</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Courting Boy, The,                                 <a href="#Page_141">141</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>It Is Hard to Love,                                <a href="#Page_132">132</a></li>
<li>I Wish I Was an Apple,                             <a href="#Page_133">133</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Lovers' Good-night,                                <a href="#Page_129">129</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Me and my Lover,                                   <a href="#Page_132">132</a></li>
<li>Mourning Slave Fiancees,                           <a href="#Page_129">129</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Pretty Polly Ann,                                  <a href="#Page_142">142</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Rejected by Eliza Jane,                            <a href="#Page_134">134</a></li>
<li>Roses Red,                                         <a href="#Page_128">128</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>She Hugged Me and She Kissed Me,                   <a href="#Page_131">131</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Vinie,                                             <a href="#Page_130">130</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Wooing,                                            <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>You Have Made Me Weep,                             <a href="#Page_128">128</a></li>
<li>You Love your Girl,                                 <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Dance Songs</h3>

<ul>
<li>Ark, The,                                           <a href="#Page_44">44</a></li>
<li>Aunt Dinah Drunk,                                   <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Baa! Baa! Black Sheep,                              <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
<li>Banjo Picking,                                      <a href="#Page_21">21</a></li>
<li>Brother Ben and Sister Sal,                         <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
<li>Bull Frog Put on the Soldier Clothes,               <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Chicken Pie,                                        <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
<li>Cotton-eyed Joe,                                    <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
<li>Cow Needs a Tail in Fly-time, The,                  <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Devilish Pigs,                                      <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
<li>Die in the Pig-Pen Fighting,                        <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
<li>Dinah's Dinner Horn,                                <a href="#Page_18">18</a></li>
<li>Don't Ask Me Questions,                             <a href="#Page_63">63</a>
<!-- Page 338 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Forty-four,                                         <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
<li>Fox and Geese,                                      <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Gooseberry Wine,                                    <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
<li>Gray and Black Horses,                              <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Ham Beats All Meat,                                 <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
<li>He Is my Horse,                                     <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
<li>Hoecake,                                           <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>I am not Going to Hobo Any More,                    <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
<li>I Love Somebody,                                    <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
<li>I Went down the Road,                               <a href="#Page_50">50</a></li>
<li>I Would not Marry a Black Girl,                     <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
<li>I Would not Marry a Yellow or a White Negro Girl,   <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
<li>I'd rather Be a Negro than a Poor White Man,    <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Jack and Dinah Want Freedom,                       <a href="#Page_215">215</a></li>
<li>Jaybird,                                            <a href="#Page_14">14</a></li>
<li>Jaybird Died with the Whooping Cough,               <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Little Red Hen,                                     <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
<li>Little Rooster, The,                                <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Master is Six Feet One Way,                         <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
<li>Master's "Stolen Coat," The,                        <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
<li>My Fiddle,                                          <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
<li>My Mule,                                            <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
<li>My Wonderful Travel,                                <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Negro and the Policeman, The,                       <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
<li>Nobody Looking,                                     <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Off from Richmond,                                  <a href="#Page_15">15</a></li>
<li>Old Gray Mink,                                      <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
<li>Old Hen Cackled, The,                               <a href="#Page_50">50</a></li>
<li>Old Molly Hare,                                     <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
<li>Old Section Boss, The,                              <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
<li>Old Woman in the Hills, The,                        <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
<li>Opossum Hunt, An,                                   <a href="#Page_23">23</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Plaster,                                            <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
<li>'Possum up the Gum Stump,                            <a href="#Page_3">3</a></li>
<li>Promises of Freedom,                                <a href="#Page_25">25</a>
<!-- Page 339 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Rabbit Soup,                                        <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
<li>Raccoon and Opossum Fight,                          <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
<li>Ration Day,                                         <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
<li>Rattler,                                            <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
<li>Run, Nigger, Run!                                   <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Sail Away, Ladies!                                  <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
<li>Shake the Persimmons Down,                          <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
<li>Sheep and Goat,                                     <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
<li>Sheep Shell Corn,                                   <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
<li>Sick Wife, A,                                       <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
<li>Simon Slick's Mule,                                 <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
<li>Sugar in Coffee,                                    <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
<li>Suze Ann,                                           <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Uncle Ned,                                          <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Walk, Tom Wilson,                                   <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
<li>Wanted: Cornbread and Coon,                         <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
<li>We Are "All the Go",                                <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
<li>When My Wife Dies,                                  <a href="#Page_26">26</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Year of Jubilee,                                    <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Animal and Nature Lore</h3>

<ul>
<li>Animal Attire,                                     <a href="#Page_158">158</a></li>
<li>Animal Fair,                                       <a href="#Page_159">159</a></li>
<li>Animal Persecutors,                                <a href="#Page_205">205</a></li>
<li>Awful Harbingers,                                  <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Bob-White's Song,                                  <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
<li>Bridle Up a Rat,                                   <a href="#Page_157">157</a></li>
<li>Buck and Berry,                                    <a href="#Page_172">172</a></li>
<li>Buck-eyed Rabbit! Whoopee!                         <a href="#Page_175">175</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Chuck Will's Widow Song,                           <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Frog in a Mill,                                    <a href="#Page_167">167</a></li>
<li>Frog Went a-Courting,                              <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
<li>Full Pocketbook, A,                                 <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Great Owl's Song,                                  <a href="#Page_151">151</a>
<!-- Page 340 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Jaybird,                                            <a href="#Page_14">14</a></li>
<li>Judge Buzzard,                                      <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Last of Jack, The,                                 <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
<li>Little Dogs,                                       <a href="#Page_150">150</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Man of Words, A,                                   <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
<li>Miss Terrapin and Miss Toad,                       <a href="#Page_162">162</a></li>
<li>Molly Cottontail,                                    <a href="#Page_8">8</a></li>
<li>My Dog, Cuff,                                      <a href="#Page_150">150</a></li>
<li>My Speckled Hen,                                   <a href="#Page_170">170</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Old Molly Hare,                                     <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
<li>Origin of the Snake, The,                          <a href="#Page_165">165</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Snail's Reply, The,                                <a href="#Page_170">170</a></li>
<li>Strange Brood, A,                                  <a href="#Page_166">166</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Tails,                                               <a href="#Page_5">5</a></li>
<li>Town Bird and the Country Bird, The,               <a href="#Page_166">166</a></li>
<li>Turtle's Song, The,                                 <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Why the Woodpecker's Head is Red,                  <a href="#Page_203">203</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Nursery Rhymes</h3>

<ul>
<li>A. B. C.,                                          <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
<li>Alabama Way, The,                                  <a href="#Page_164">164</a></li>
<li>Animal Fair,                                       <a href="#Page_159">159</a></li>
<li>Are You Careful?,                                  <a href="#Page_203">203</a></li>
<li>Aspiration,                                        <a href="#Page_159">159</a></li>
<li>Awful Harbingers,                                  <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Baby Wants Cherries,                               <a href="#Page_181">181</a></li>
<li>Bat! Bat!,                                         <a href="#Page_202">202</a></li>
<li>Black-eyed Peas for Luck,                          <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
<li>Blessings,                                         <a href="#Page_204">204</a></li>
<li>Bob-White's Song,                                  <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
<li>Buck-eyed Rabbit! Whoopee!,                        <a href="#Page_175">175</a></li>
<li>Butterfly,                                         <a href="#Page_182">182</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Captain Coon,                                      <a href="#Page_176">176</a></li>
<li>Children's Seating Rhyme,                          <a href="#Page_179">179</a>
<!-- Page 341 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span></li>
<li>Chuck Will's Widow Song,                           <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
<li>Cooking Dinner,                                    <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
<li>Crossing the River,                                  <a href="#Page_6">6</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Deedle, Dumpling,                                  <a href="#Page_171">171</a></li>
<li>Destinies of Good and Bad Children,                <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
<li>Did You Feed My Cow?,                               <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
<li>Don't Sing before Breakfast,                       <a href="#Page_186">186</a></li>
<li>Doodle-Bug,                                        <a href="#Page_174">174</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>End of Ten Little Negroes, The,                    <a href="#Page_163">163</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Fishing Simon,                                     <a href="#Page_177">177</a></li>
<li>Flap-jacks,                                        <a href="#Page_196">196</a></li>
<li>Four Runaway Negroes; Whence They Came,            <a href="#Page_205">205</a></li>
<li>Frog Went a-Courting,                              <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
<li>From Slavery,                                      <a href="#Page_162">162</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Getting Ten Negro Boys Together,                   <a href="#Page_184">184</a></li>
<li>Go to Bed,                                         <a href="#Page_175">175</a></li>
<li>Good-by, Ring,                                      <a href="#Page_171">171</a></li>
<li>Grasshopper Sitting on a Sweet Potato Vine,        <a href="#Page_173">173</a></li>
<li>Grasshopper-Sense,                                 <a href="#Page_169">169</a></li>
<li>Great Owl's Song, The,                             <a href="#Page_151">151</a></li>
<li>Guinea Gall,                                       <a href="#Page_176">176</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Hated Blackbird and Crow, The,                     <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li>
<li>Hawk and Chickens,                                 <a href="#Page_185">185</a></li>
<li>Here I Stand,                                      <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>In '76,                                            <a href="#Page_178">178</a></li>
<li>In a Mulberry Tree,                                <a href="#Page_158">158</a></li>
<li>In a Rush,                                         <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Judge Buzzard,                                      <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Little Boy Who Couldn't Count Seven,               <a href="#Page_160">160</a></li>
<li>Little Dogs,                                       <a href="#Page_150">150</a></li>
<li>Little Negro Fly, The,                             <a href="#Page_199">199</a></li>
<li>Little Pickaninny, A,                              <a href="#Page_186">186</a></li>
<li>Little Sleeping Negroes,                           <a href="#Page_187">187</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Mamma's Darling,                                   <a href="#Page_188">188</a></li>
<li>Miss Blodger,                                      <a href="#Page_199">199</a>
<!-- Page 342 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span></li>
<li>Miss Terrapin and Miss Toad,                       <a href="#Page_162">162</a></li>
<li>Mother Says I am Six Years Old,                    <a href="#Page_164">164</a></li>
<li>Mud-Log Pond,                                       <a href="#Page_185">185</a></li>
<li>My Baby,                                           <a href="#Page_180">180</a></li>
<li>My Dog, Cuff,                                      <a href="#Page_150">150</a></li>
<li>My Folks and your Folks,                           <a href="#Page_187">187</a></li>
<li>My Little Pig,                                     <a href="#Page_157">157</a></li>
<li>My Speckled Hen,                                   <a href="#Page_170">170</a></li>
<li>Mysterious Face Washing,                           <a href="#Page_174">174</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Negro Baker Man,                                   <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
<li>Nesting,                                           <a href="#Page_180">180</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Old Aunt Kate,                                     <a href="#Page_179">179</a></li>
<li>Origin of the Snake, The,                          <a href="#Page_165">165</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Paying Debts with Kicks,                           <a href="#Page_184">184</a></li>
<li>Periwinkle,                                        <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
<li>Pig Tail,                                          <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
<li>'Possum up the Gum Stump,                            <a href="#Page_3">3</a></li>
<li>Pretty Little Girl,                                <a href="#Page_172">172</a></li>
<li>Pretty Pair of Chickens, A,                        <a href="#Page_181">181</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Rabbit Hash,                                       <a href="#Page_203">203</a></li>
<li>Rabbit Soup,                                        <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
<li>Race-Starter's Rhyme, A,                           <a href="#Page_180">180</a></li>
<li>Randsome Tantsome,                                 <a href="#Page_202">202</a></li>
<li>Raw Head and Bloody Bones,                         <a href="#Page_174">174</a></li>
<li>Redhead Woodpecker,                                <a href="#Page_178">178</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Sam is a Clever Fellow,                            <a href="#Page_151">151</a></li>
<li>Shoo! Shoo!,                                       <a href="#Page_196">196</a></li>
<li>Stealing a Ride,                                   <a href="#Page_188">188</a></li>
<li>Stick-a-ma-stew,                                   <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
<li>Strange Family, A,                                 <a href="#Page_171">171</a></li>
<li>Strange Old Woman, A,                              <a href="#Page_178">178</a></li>
<li>Strong Hands,                                      <a href="#Page_167">167</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Tails,                                               <a href="#Page_5">5</a></li>
<li>Taking a Walk,                                     <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li>
<li>Teaching Table Manners,                            <a href="#Page_197">197</a>
<!-- Page 343 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span></li>
<li>Too Much Watermelon,                               <a href="#Page_182">182</a></li>
<li>Training the Boy,                                  <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
<li>Tree Frogs,                                        <a href="#Page_168">168</a></li>
<li>Turtle's Song, The,                                 <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
<li>Two Sick Negro Boys,                               <a href="#Page_173">173</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Washing Mamma's Dishes,                            <a href="#Page_189">189</a></li>
<li>What Will We Do for Bacon?,                        <a href="#Page_185">185</a></li>
<li>Wild Hog Hunt,                                     <a href="#Page_165">165</a></li>
<li>Willie Wee,                                        <a href="#Page_189">189</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>You Had Better Mind Master,                        <a href="#Page_126">126</a></li>
<li>Young Master and Old Master,                       <a href="#Page_169">169</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Charms and Superstitions</h3>

<ul>
<li>Bat! Bat!,                                         <a href="#Page_202">202</a></li>
<li>Black-eyed Peas for Luck,                          <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Don't Sing before Breakfast,                       <a href="#Page_186">186</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>How to Make it Rain,                               <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Jaybird,                                            <a href="#Page_14">14</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Molly Cottontail, or Graveyard Rabbit,               <a href="#Page_8">8</a></li>
<li>My Speckled Hen,                                   <a href="#Page_170">170</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Periwinkle,                                        <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Speak Softly,                                      <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Hunting Songs</h3>

<ul>
<li>Fox and Geese,                                      <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>He will Get Mr. Coon,                               <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
<li>Hunting Camp, The,                                  <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Miss Slippy Sloppy,                                <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Opossum Hunt, An,                                  <a href="#Page_23"> 23</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Rattler,                                            <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Drinking Songs</h3>

<ul>
<li>Aunt Dinah Drunk,                                   <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Bring on your Hot Corn,                             <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Little Red Hen,                                     <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Wise and Gnomic Sayings</h3>

<ul>
<li>Brag and Boast,                                    <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Don't Tell All You Know,                           <a href="#Page_214">214</a>
<!-- Page 344 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span></li>
<li>Drinking Razor Soup,                               <a href="#Page_211">211</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Fed from the Tree of Knowledge,                    <a href="#Page_212">212</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>How to Plant and Cultivate Seeds,                  <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Independent,                                       <a href="#Page_209">209</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Learn to Count,                                    <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Man of Words, A,                                   <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Old Man Know-all,                                  <a href="#Page_211">211</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Self-control,                                      <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
<li>Speak Softly,                                      <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
<li>Still Water Runs Deep,                             <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Temperance Rhyme,                                  <a href="#Page_209">209</a></li>
<li>That Hypocrite,                                    <a href="#Page_210">210</a></li>
<li>Tongue, The,                                       <a href="#Page_212">212</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>War is On, The,                                    <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Harvest Songs</h3>

<ul>
<li>Harvest Song,                                       <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Biblical and Religious Themes</h3>

<ul>
<li>Ark, The,                                           <a href="#Page_44">44</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>How to Keep or Kill the Devil,                     <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Jawbone,                                            <a href="#Page_12">12</a></li>
<li>Jonah's Band,                                        <a href="#Page_1">1</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Satan,                                              <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Play Songs</h3>

<ul>
<li>Anchor Line,                                      <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Budget, A,                                          <a href="#Page_79">79</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Did You Feed my Cow?,                               <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
<li>Down in the Lonesome Garden,                        <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Green Oak Tree! Rocky-o!,                           <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Hawk and Buzzard,                                   <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
<li>He Loves Sugar and Tea,                             <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
<li>Here Comes a Young Man Courting,                    <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Kissing Song,                                       <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
<li>Kneel on This Carpet,                               <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Likes and Dislikes,                                 <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
<li>Little Sister, Won't You Marry Me?,                 <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Old Black Gnats, The,                               <a href="#Page_80">80</a>
<!-- Page 345 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Peep Squirrel,                                      <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
<li>Precious Things,                                    <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Raise a "Rucus" To-night,                            <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Sallie,                                             <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
<li>Salt-rising Bread,                                  <a href="#Page_83">83</a></li>
<li>Song to the Runaway Slave,                          <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
<li>Sugar Loaf Tea,                                     <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
<li>Susan Jane,                                         <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
<li>Susie Girl,                                         <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
<li>Sweet Pinks and Roses,                              <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="ital">Miscellaneous</h3>

<ul>
<li>Antebellum Courtship Inquiry,                      <a href="#Page_135">135</a></li>
<li>Antebellum Marriage Proposal,                      <a href="#Page_137">137</a></li>
<li>As I Went to Shiloh,                                <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
<li>Aunt Jemima,                                       <a href="#Page_107">107</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Bad Features,                                      <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
<li>Bedbug,                                             <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
<li>Blindfold Play Chant,                               <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
<li>Bought Me a Wife,                                  <a href="#Page_145">145</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Captain Dime,                                        <a href="#Page_5">5</a></li>
<li>Care in Bread-making,                              <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
<li>Caught by the Witch Play,                           <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
<li>Christmas Turkey,                                   <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
<li>Clandestine Letter, A,                             <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
<li>Coffee Grows on White Folks' Trees,                <a href="#Page_107">107</a></li>
<li>College Ox, The,                                   <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
<li>Courtship,                                         <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li>
<li>Crooked Nose Jane,                                  <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
<li>Crossing a Foot-Log,                               <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li><ins class="correction" title="original reads: Day's Happenings, A,">Day's Happiness, A,</ins>                               <a href="#Page_125">125</a></li>
<li>Destitute Former Slave Owners,                      <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
<li>Do I Love You?,                                    <a href="#Page_129">129</a></li>
<li>Does Money Talk?,                                  <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Elephant, The,                                     <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Fattening Frogs for Snakes,                         <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
<li>Few Negroes by States, A,                          <a href="#Page_117">117</a>
<!-- Page 346 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span></li>
<li>Fine Plaster, A,                                   <a href="#Page_124">124</a></li>
<li>Fox and Geese Play,                                 <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
<li>Fox and Rabbit Drinking Proposition,               <a href="#Page_111">111</a></li>
<li>Frightened Away from a Chicken-Roost,               <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Going to be Good Slaves,                           <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
<li>Good-by, Wife!,                                     <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
<li>Goosie-Gander Play Rhyme,                           <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Half Way Doings,                                   <a href="#Page_120">120</a></li>
<li>Hawk and Chickens Play,                             <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
<li>He Paid Me Seven (Parody),                         <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
<li>Hear-say,                                           <a href="#Page_114">114</a></li>
<li>How to Get to Glory Land,                           <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
<li>How to Please a Preacher,                          <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>I Walked the Road,                                 <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
<li>I'll Eat when I'm Hungry,                          <a href="#Page_114">114</a></li>
<li>I'll Get You, Rabbit!,                              <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
<li>I'll Wear Me a Cotton Dress,                       <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
<li>I'm a "Round-Town" Gentleman,                      <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
<li>If You Frown,                                      <a href="#Page_137">137</a></li>
<li>Indian Flea,                                        <a href="#Page_12">12</a></li>
<li>Invited to Take the Escort's Arm,                  <a href="#Page_135">135</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Joe and Malinda Jane,                                <a href="#Page_4">4</a></li>
<li>John Henry,                                        <a href="#Page_105">105</a></li>
<li>Johnny Bigfoot,                                     <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
<li>Juba,                                                <a href="#Page_9">9</a></li>
<li>Jump Jim Crow,                                      <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Kept Busy,                                         <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Let's Marry Courtship,                             <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li>
<li>Looking for a Fight,                               <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
<li>Love is Just a Thing of Fancy,                       <a href="#Page_2">2</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Mule's Kick, The,                                   <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
<li>Mule's Nature, The,                                <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Negro Soldier's Civil War Chant,                   <a href="#Page_115">115</a></li>
<li>Negroes Never Die,                                  <a href="#Page_11">11</a>
<!-- Page 347 --><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span></li>
<li>Newly Weds, The,                                 <a href="#Page_144">144</a></li>
<li>No Room to Poke Fun,                                <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>On Top of the Pot,                                  <a href="#Page_10">10</a></li>
<li>Our Old Mule,                                      <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
<li>Outrunning the Devil,                              <a href="#Page_103">103</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Page's Geese,                                      <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
<li>Parody&mdash;He Paid Me Seven,                     <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
<li>Parody on "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep",            <a href="#Page_115">115</a></li>
<li>Parody on "Reign, Master Jesus! Reign!",           <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
<li>Presenting a Hat to Phoebe,                        <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
<li>Pretty Little Pink,                                <a href="#Page_127">127</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Rascal, The,                                       <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
<li>Request to Sell, A,                                <a href="#Page_123">123</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Sex Laugh,                                         <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
<li>Short Letter, A,                                   <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
<li>Slave Marriage Ceremony Supplement,                <a href="#Page_143">143</a></li>
<li>Sparking or Courting,                              <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
<li>Stand Back, Black Man,                              <a href="#Page_10">10</a></li>
<li>Still Water Creek,                                   <a href="#Page_2">2</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>"They Steal" Gossip,                               <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
<li>This Sun is Hot,                                   <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
<li>Thrifty Slave, The,                                 <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
<li>To Win a Yellow Girl,                              <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
<li>Turkey Funeral,                                    <a href="#Page_111">111</a></li>
<li>T-U-Turkey,                                          <a href="#Page_6">6</a></li>
<li>Two Times One,                                     <a href="#Page_121">121</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Uncle Jerry Fants,                                 <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Walk, Talk, Chicken With your Head Pecked,           <a href="#Page_4">4</a></li>
<li>We'll Stick to the Hoe,                            <a href="#Page_123">123</a></li>
<li>When I Go to Marry,                                <a href="#Page_144">144</a></li>
<li>When I Was a Roustabout,                           <a href="#Page_145">145</a></li>
<li>Why Look at Me?,                                   <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
<li>Wild Negro Bill,                                    <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
<li>Wind Bag, A,                                       <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
</ul>
</html>