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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CREOLE SLAVE SONG: BELLE LAYOTTE by GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE

First Line: I DONE BEEN 'ROUN' TO EVVY SPOT
Last Line: I DONE BEEN, ETC.
Subject(s): SLAVERY; SERFS;

I done been 'roun' to evvy spot
Don't foun' nair match fo' sweet Layotte.

I done hunt all dis settlement
All de way 'roun' fum Pierre Soniat';
Never see yalla gal w'at kin
'Gin to lay 'longside sweet Layotte.

I done been, etc.

I yeh dey talk 'bout 'Loise gal --
Loise, w'at b'long to Pierre Soniat';
I see her, but she can't biggin
Stan' up 'longside my sweet Layotte.

I done been, etc.

I been meet up wid John Bayou,
Say to him, "John Bayou, my son,
Yalla gal nevva meet yo' view
Got a face lak dat chahmin' one!"

I done been, etc.



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