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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PLOUGH-HAND'S SONG, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Nigger mighty happy w'en he layin' by co'n
Last Line: My love unter you all!
Subject(s): Plowing & Plowmen


NIGGER mighty happy w'en he layin' by co'n --
Dat sun's a-slantin';
Nigger mighty happy w'en he year de dinner ho'n --
Dat sun's a-slantin';
En he mo' happy still w'en de night draws on --
Dat sun's a-slantin';
Dat sun's a-slantin' des ez sho's you bo'n!
En it's rise up, Primus! fetch anudder yell:

Dat ole dun cow des a-shakin' up 'er bell,
En de frogs chunin' up 'fo de jew done fell:
Good-night, Mr. Killdee! I wish you mighty well! --
Mr. Killdee! I wish you mighty well! --
I wish you mighty well!

De c'on 'll be ready 'g'inst dumplin' day,
Dat sun's a-slantin';
But nigger gotter watch, en stick, en stay,
Dat sun's a-slantin';
Same ez de bee-martin watchin' un de jay,
Dat sun's a slantin';
Dat sun's a-slantin' en a-slippin' away!
Den it's rise up, Primus! en gin it t' um strong:
De cow's gwine home wid der ding-dang-dong;
Sling in anudder tech er do ole time song:
Good-night, Mr. Whipperwill! don't stay long! --
Mr. Whipperwill! don't stay long! --
Don't stay long!

De shadders dey er creepin' todes de top er de hill,
Dat sun's a-slantin';
But night don't 'stroy w'at de day done buil',
Dat sun's a-slantin';
'Less de noddin' er de nigger give de ashcake a chill --
Dat sun's a-slantin';
Dat sun's a-slantin' en slippin' down still!
Den sing it out, Primus! des holler en bawl,
En w'ilst we er strippin' deze mules fer de stall,
Let de gals ketch de soun'er de plantashun call:
Oh, it's good-night, ladies! my love unter you all! --
Ladies! my love unter you all! --
My love unter you all!





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