A TRADER I am to the African shore, But since that my trading is like to be o'er, I'll sing you a song that you ne'er heard before, Which nobody can deny, deny, Which nobody can deny. When I first heard the news it gave me a shock, Much like what they call an electrical knock, And now I am going to sell off my stock, Which nobody, &c. 'Tis a curious assortment of dainty regales, To tickle the negroes with when the ship sails, Fine chains for the neck, and a cat with nine tails, Which nobody, &c. Here's supple-jack plenty, and store of rattan, That will wind itself round the sides of a man, As close as a hoop round a bucket or can, Which nobody, &c. Here's padlocks and bolts, and screws for the thumbs, That squeeze them so lovingly till the blood comes, They sweeten the temper like comfits or plums, Which nobody, &c. When a negro his head from his victuals withdraws, And clenches his teeth and thrusts out his paws, Here's a notable engine to open his jaws, Which nobody, &c. Thus going to market, we kindly prepare A pretty black cargo of African ware, For what they must meet with when they get there, Which nobody, &c. 'Twould do your heart good to see 'em below Lie flat on their backs all the way as we go, Like sprats on a gridiron, scores in a row, Which nobody, &c. But ah! if in vain I have studied an art So gainful to me, all boasting apart, I think it will break my compassionate heart, Which nobody, &c. For oh! how it enters my soul like an awl! This pity, which some people self-pity call, Is sure the most heart-piercing pity of all, Which nobody, &c. So this is my song, as I told you before; Come buy off my stock, for I must no more Carry Caesars and Pompeys to Sugar-cane shore, Which nobody can deny, deny, Which nobody can deny. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OUR COUNTRY by JULIA WARD HOWE LUCASIA, ROSANIA, AND ORINDA PARTING AT A FOUNTAIN by KATHERINE PHILIPS THE ROSE I GREW by JULIA S. ANDERSON THE FADELESS CANVAS by CHARLOTTE LOUISE BERTLESEN EVENING by SYLVIA HORTENSE BLISS |