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<div style="background:#fff;border:#bbb dashed 1px;padding:5px"><a href="http://en.citatepedia.ro/comments.php?id=391780" style="color:#000;text-decoration:none"><div style="margin:10px 0"><strong>Aunt Chloe</strong></div><div style="margin:10px 0">.<br> I remember, well remember, <br>.<br> That dark and dreadful day, <br>.<br> When they whispered to me, "Chloe, <br>.<br> Your children's sold away!" 1.<br> It seemed as if a bullet <br>.<br> Had shot me through and through, <br>.<br> And I felt as if my heart-strings <br>.<br> Was breaking right in two. 1.<br> And I says to cousin Milly, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "There must be some mistake; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Where's Mistus?" "In the great house crying -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Crying like her heart would break. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "And the lawyer's there with Mistus; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Says he's come to 'ministrate, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> 'Cause when master died he just left <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Heap of debt on the estate. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "And I thought 'twould do you good <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> To bid your boys good-bye -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> To kiss them both and shake their hands, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And have a hearty cry. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Oh! Chloe, I knows how you feel, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> 'Cause I'se been through it all; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I thought my poor old heart would break, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> When master sold my Saul." 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Just then I heard the footsteps <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Of my children at the door, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And then I rose right up to meet them, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But I fell upon the floor. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And I heard poor Jakey saying, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Oh, mammy, don't you cry!" <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And I felt my children kiss me <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And bid me, both, good-bye. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Then I had a mighty sorrow, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Though I nursed it all alone; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But I wasted to a shadow, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And turned to skin and bone. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But one day dear uncle Jacob <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> (In heaven he's now a saint) <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Said, "Your poor heart is in the fire, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But child you must not faint." 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Then I said to uncle Jacob, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> If I was good like you, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> When the heavy trouble dashed me <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I'd know just what to do. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Then he said to me, "Poor Chloe, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> The way is open wide:" <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And he told me of the Saviour, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And the fountain in His side. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Then he said "Just take your burden <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> To the blessed Master's feet; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I takes all my troubles, Chloe, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Right unto the mercy-seat." 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> His words waked up my courage, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And I began to pray, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And I felt my heavy burden <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Rolling like a stone away. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And a something seemed to tell me, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> You will see your boys again -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And that hope was like a poultice <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Spread upon a dreadful pain. 1.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And it often seemed to whisper, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Chloe, trust and never fear; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> You'll get justice in the kingdom, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> If you do not get it here. [2] The Deliverance 2.<br> Master only left old Mistus <br>.<br> One bright and handsome boy; <br>.<br> But she fairly doted on him, <br>.<br> He was her pride and joy. 2.<br> We all liked Mister Thomas, <br>.<br> He was so kind at heart; <br>.<br> And when the young folkes got in scrapes, <br>.<br> He always took their part. 2.<br> He kept right on that very way <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Till he got big and tall, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And old Mistus used to chide him <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And say he'd spile us all. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But somehow the farm did prosper <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> When he took things in hand; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And though all the servants liked him, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> He made them understand. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> One evening Mister Thomas said, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Just bring my easy shoes; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I am going to sit by mother, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And read her up the news." 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Soon I heard him tell old Mistus <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> We're bound to have a fight; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But we'll whip the Yankees, mother, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> We'll whip them sure as night!" 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Then I saw old Mistus tremble; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> She gasped and held her breath; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And she looked on Mister Thomas <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> With a face as pale as death. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "They are firing on Fort Sumpter; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Oh! I wish that I was there! -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Why, dear mother! what's the matter? <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> You're the picture of despair." 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "I was thinking, dearest Thomas, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> 'Twould break my very heart <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> If a fierce and dreadful battle <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Should tear our lives apart." 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "None but cowards, dearest mother, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Would skulk unto the rear, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> When the tyrant's hand is shaking <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> All the heart is holding dear." 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I felt sorry for old Mistus; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> She got too full to speak; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But I saw the great big tear-drops <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> A running down her cheek. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Mister Thomas too was troubled <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> With choosing on that night, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Betwixt staying with his mother <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And joining in the fight. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Soon down into the village came <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> A call for volunteers; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Mistus gave up Mister Thomas, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> With many sighs and tears. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> His uniform was real handsome; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> He looked so brave and strong; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But somehow I could'nt help thinking <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> His fighting must be wrong. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Though the house was very lonesome, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I thought 'twould all come right, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> For I felt somehow or other <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> We was mixed up in that fight. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And I said to Uncle Jacob, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "How old Mistus feels the sting, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> For this parting with your children <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Is a mighty dreadful thing." 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Never mind," said Uncle Jacob, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Just wait and watch and pray, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> For I feel right sure and certain, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Slavery's bound to pass away; 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Because I asked the Spirit, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> If God is good and just, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> How it happened that the masters <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Did grind us to the dust. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "And something reasoned right inside, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Such should not always be; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And you could not beat it out my head, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> The Spirit spoke to me." 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And his dear old eyes would brighten, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And his lips put on a smile, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Saying, "Pick up faith and courage, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And just wait a little while." 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Mistus prayed up in the parlor, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> That the Secesh all might win; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> We were praying in the cabins, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Wanting freedom to begin. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Mister Thomas wrote to Mistus, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Telling 'bout the Bull's Run fight, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> That his troops had whipped the Yankees <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And put them all to flight. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Mistus' eyes did fairly glisten; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> She laughed and praised the South, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But I thought some day she'd laugh <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> On tother side her mouth. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I used to watch old Mistus' face, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And when it looked quite long <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I would say to Cousin Milly, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> The battle's going wrong; 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Not for us, but for the Rebels. -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> My heart would fairly skip, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> When Uncle Jacob used to say, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> "The North is bound to whip." 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And let the fight go as it would -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Let North or South prevail -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> He always kept his courage up, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And never let it fail. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And he often used to tell us, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> "Children, don't forget to pray; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> For the darkest time of morning <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Is just 'fore the break of day." 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Well, one morning bright and early <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> We heard the fife and drum, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And the booming of the cannon -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> The Yankee troops had come. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> When the word ran through the village, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> The colored folks are free -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> In the kitchens and the cabins <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> We held a jubilee. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> When they told us Mister Lincoln <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Said that slavery was dead, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> We just poured our prayers and blessings <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Upon his precious head. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> We just laughed, and danced, and shouted <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And prayed, and sang, and cried, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And we thought dear Uncle Jacob <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Would fairly crack his side. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But when old Mistus heard it, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> She groaned and hardly spoke; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> When she had to lose her servants, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Her heart was almost broke. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> 'Twas a sight to see our people <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Going out, the troops to meet, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Almost dancing to the music, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And marching down the street. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> After years of pain and parting, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Our chains was broke in two, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And we was so mighty happy, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> We didn't know what to do. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But we soon got used to freedom, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Though the way at first was rough; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But we weathered through the tempest, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> For slavery made us tough. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But we had one awful sorrow, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> It almost turned my head, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> When a mean and wicked cretur <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Shot Mister Lincoln dead. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> 'Twas a dreadful solemn morning, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I just staggered on my feet; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And the women they were crying <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And screaming in the street. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But if many prayers and blessings <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Could bear him to the throne, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I should think when Mister Lincoln died, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> That heaven just got its own. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Then we had another President, -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> What do you call his name? <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Well, if the colored folks forget him <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> They would'nt be much to blame. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> We thought he'd be the Moses <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Of all the colored race; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But when the Rebels pressed us hard <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> He never showed his face. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But something must have happened him, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Right curi's I'll be bound, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> 'Cause I heard 'em talking 'bout a circle <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> That he was swinging round. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But everything will pass away -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> He went like time and tide -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And when the next election came <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> They let poor Andy slide. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But now we have a President, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And if I was a man <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I'd vote for him for breaking up <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> The wicked Ku-Klux Klan. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And if any man should ask me <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> If I would sell my vote, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I'd tell him I was not the one <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> To change and turn my coat; 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> If freedom seem'd a little rough <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I'd weather through the gale; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And as to buying up my vote, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I hadn't it for sale. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I do not think I'd ever be <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> As slack as Jonas Handy; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Because I heard he sold his vote <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> For just three sticks of candy. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But when John Thomas Reeder brought <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> His wife some flour and meat, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And told he had sold his vote <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> For something good to eat, 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> You ought to seen Aunt Kitty raise, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And heard her blaze away; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> She gave the meat and flour a toss, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And said they should not stay. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And I should think he felt quite cheap <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> For voting the wrong side; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And when Aunt Kitty scolded him, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> He just stood up and cried. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But the worst fooled man I ever saw, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Was when poor David Rand <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Sold out for flour and sugar; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> The sugar was mixed with sand. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I'll tell you how the thing got out; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> His wife had company, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And she thought the sand was sugar, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And served it up for tea. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> When David sipped and sipped the tea, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Somehow it didn't taste right; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I guess when he found he was sipping sand <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> He was mad enough to fight. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> The sugar looked so nice and white -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> It was spread some inches deep -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But underneath was a lot of sand; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Such sugar is mighty cheap. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> You'd laughed to seen Lucinda Grange <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Upon her husband's track; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> When he sold his vote for rations <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> She made him take 'em back. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Day after day did Milly Green <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Just follow after Joe, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And told him if he voted wrong <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> To take his rags and go. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I think that Samuel Johnson said <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> His side had won the day, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Had not we women radicals <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Just got right in the way. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And yet I would not have you think <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> That all our men are shabby; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But 'tis said in every flock of sheep <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> There will be one that's scabby. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> I've heard, before election came <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> They tried to buy John Slade; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> But he gave them all to understand <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> That he wasn't in that trade. 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And we've got lots of other men <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Who rally round the cause, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> And go for holding up the hands <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> That gave us equal laws, 2.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Who know their freedom cost too much <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> Of blood and pain and treasure, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> For them to fool away their votes <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br> For profit or for pleasure. [3] Aunt Chloe's Politics 3.<br> Of course, I don't know very much <br>.<br> About these politics, <br>.<br> But I think that some who run 'em, <br>.<br> Do mighty ugly tricks. 3.<br> I've seen 'em honey-fugle round, <br>.<br> And talk so awful sweet, <br>.<br> That you'd think them full of kindness <br>.<br> As an egg is full of meat. 3.<br> Now I don't believe in looking <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Honest people in the face, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And saying when you're doing wrong, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> That 'I haven't sold my race.' 3.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> When we want to school our children, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> If the money isn't there, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Whether black or white have took it, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> The loss we all must share. 3.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And this buying up each other <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Is something worse than mean, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Though I thinks a heap of voting, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I go for voting clean. [4] Learning to Read 4.<br> Very soon the Yankee teachers <br>.<br> Came down and set up school; <br>.<br> But, oh! how the Rebs did hate it, -- <br>.<br> It was agin' their rule. 4.<br> Our masters always tried to hide <br>.<br> Book learning from our eyes; <br>.<br> Knowledge did'nt agree with slavery -- <br>.<br> 'Twould make us all too wise. 4.<br> But some of us would try to steal <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> A little from the book, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And put the words together, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And learn by hook or crook. 4.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I remember Uncle Caldwell, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Who took pot liquor fat <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And greased the pages of his book, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And hid it in his hat. 4.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And had his master ever seen <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> The leaves upon his head, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> He'd have thought them greasy papers, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But nothing to be read. 4.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And there was Mr. Turner's Ben, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Who heard the children spell, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And picked the words right up by heart, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And learned to read 'em well. 4.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Well, the Northern folks kept sending <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> The Yankee teachers down; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And they stood right up and helped us, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Though Rebs did sneer and frown. 4.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And I longed to read my Bible, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> For precious words it said; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But when I begun to learn it, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Folks just shook their heads, 4.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And said there is no use trying, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Oh! Chloe, you're too late; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But as I was rising sixty, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I had no time to wait. 4.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> So I got a pair of glasses, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And straight to work I went, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And never stopped till I could read <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> The hymns and Testament. 4.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Then I got a little cabin <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> A place to call my own -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And I felt as independent <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> As the queen upon her throne. [5] Church Building 5.<br> Uncle Jacob often told us, <br>.<br> Since freedom blessed our race <br>.<br> We ought all to come together <br>.<br> And build a meeting place. 5.<br> So we pinched, and scraped, and spared, <br>.<br> A little here and there: <br>.<br> Though our wages was but scanty, <br>.<br> The church did get a share. 5.<br> And, when the house was finished, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Uncle Jacob came to pray; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> He was looking mighty feeble, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And his head was awful gray. 5.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But his voice rang like a trumpet; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> His eyes looked bright and young; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And it seemed a mighty power <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Was resting on his tongue. 5.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And he gave us all his blessing -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> 'Twas parting words he said, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> For soon we got the message <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> The dear old man was dead. 5.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> But I believe he's in the kingdom, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> For when we shook his hand <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> He said, "Children, you must meet me <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Right in the promised land; 5.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "For when I done a moiling <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And toiling here below, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Through the gate into the city <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Straightway I hope to go." [6] The Reunion 6.<br> Well, one morning real early <br>.<br> I was going down the street, <br>.<br> And I heard a stranger asking <br>.<br> For Missis Chloe Fleet. 6.<br> There was something in his voice <br>.<br> That made me feel quite shaky. <br>.<br> And when I looked right in his face, <br>.<br> Who should it be but Jakey! 6.<br> I grasped him tight, and took him home -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> What gladness filled my cup! <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And I laughed, and just rolled over, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And laughed, and just give up. 6.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Where have you been? O Jakey, dear! <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Why didn't you come before? <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Oh! when you children went away <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> My heart was awful sore." 6.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Why, mammy, I've been on your hunt <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Since ever I've been free, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And I have heard from brother Ben, -- <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> He's down in Tennessee. 6.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "He wrote me that he had a wife," <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "And children?" "Yes, he's three." <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "You married, too?" "Oh, no, indeed, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I thought I'd first get free." 6.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Then, Jakey, you will stay with me, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And comfort my poor heart; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Old Mistus got no power now <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> To tear us both apart. 6.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "I'm richer now than Mistus, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Because I have got my son; <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And Mister Thomas he is dead, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And she's nary one. 6.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "You must write to brother Benny <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> That he must come this fall, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And we'll make the cabin bigger, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And that will hold us all. 6.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> "Tell him I want to see 'em all <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> Before my life do cease: <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> And then, like good old Simeon, <br>.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"> I hope to die in peace."</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br /></a><br />poem by <a href="http://en.citatepedia.ro/by.php?a=Frances+Ellen+Watkins+Harper">Frances Ellen Watkins Harper</a><div class=q> <img src="https://www.citatepedia.ro/g/32share.png" style="float:left" alt="Share"> <script type="text/javascript" src="//s7.addthis.com/js/300/addthis_widget.js#pubid=citatepedia" async="async"></script><div style="display:inline-block" class="addthis_sharing_toolbox" data-url="http://en.citatepedia.ro/comments.php?id=391780" data-title="Aunt Chloe de Frances Ellen Watkins Harper" data-description=". I remember, well remember, . That dark and dreadful day, . When they whispered to me, "Chloe, . Your children's sold away!" 1. It seemed as if a bullet . Had shot me through and through, . And I felt as if my heart-strings ..."></div> </div> </div>
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