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248             THE HOSPITABLE

short time, with a very fine fish, which, having caused it to be half broiled upon some embers, she gave me for supper. The rites of hospitality being thus preformed toward a stranger in distress, my worthy benefactress (pointing to the mat, and telling me I might sleep there without apprehension) called to the female part of her family, who had stood gazing on me all the while in fixed astonishment, to resume their task of spinning cotton; in which they continued to employ themselves a great part of the night.
  7. "They lightened their labor by songs, one of which was composed extempore; for I was myself the subject of it. It was sung by one of the young women, the rest joining in a sort of chorus. The air was sweet and plaintive, and the words, literally translated, were these:- 'The winds roared, and the rain fell. The poor white man, faint and weary, came and sat under our tree. He has no mother to bring him milk, no wife to grind hid corn.' Chorus. 'Let us pity the white man; no mother has he to bring him milk; no wife to grind his corn."

*These simple and affecting sentiments, have been very beautifully versified.

1. The loud wind roar'd the rain fell fast,
   The white man yielded to the blast.
   He sat him down beneath the tree,
   For weary, sad, and faint was he:
   And ah! no wife's or mother's care,
   For him the milk of corn prepare, 

                  NEGRO WOMAN.                249

  8. "Trifling as these events may appear to the reader, they were to me affecting in the highest degree. I was oppressed by such unexpected kindness; and sleep fled from my eyes. In the morning, I presented to my compassionate landlady two of the four brass buttons which remained on my waistcoat; the only recompense it was in my power to make her."

                    CHORUS.
   The white man shall our pity share,-
   Alas! no wife's or mother's care,
   For him the milk or corn prepare.

2. The storm is o'er, the tempest past,
   And Mercy's voice has hush'd the blast;
   The wind is heard in whispers low, 
   The white man far away must go;
   But ever in his heart will bear, 
   Remembrance of the negro's care.
                     CHORUS
   Go, white man, go; but with thee bear
   The negro's wish, the negro's prayer,
   Remembrance of the negro's care.

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-06-20 14:38:45