6. THE SLAVE SHIP.
PART I.
The supercargo Mynher Van Koek
In his cabin sits adding his figures;
He calculates his cargo’s amount,
And the probable gain from his niggers.
“My gum and pepper are good: the stock
“Is three hundred chests of all sizes;
“I’ve gold dust and ivory too in store,
“But the black ware by far the best prize is.
“Six hundred niggers I bought dirt-cheap
“Where the Senegal river is flowing;
“Their flesh is firm, and their sinews tough
“As the finest iron going.
“I got them by barter, and gave in exchange
“Glass beads, steel goods, and some brandy;
“I shall make at least eight hundred per cent.
“With but half of them living and handy.
“If only three hundred niggers are left,
“When I get to Rio Janeiro,
“I shall have a hundred ducats a head
“From the house of Gonzales Perreiro.”—
Here all of a sudden Mynher Van Koek
Was disturb’d in his meditation,
For Doctor Van Smissen enter’d in,
The vessel’s surgeon by station.
His figure was just as thin as a lath,
And his nose had warts all over;
“Well, worthy Doctor,” exclaim’d Van Koek,
“Are my niggers still living in clover?”
The Doctor thank’d him, and said in reply:
“I’ve come with a tale of disaster;
“Throughout the night, I’m sorry to say,
“The deaths have grown faster and faster.