Me neber sigh for de brandy and wine;
Me be a nigger boy, born in de hovel,
What plantain da shade from de sun wha da shine.
Me be a nigger boy,
When me live happy, wha for me repine?
Me neber run from my massa’s plantation,
Wha for me run? me no want to get lick;
He gib me house, and me pay no taxation—
Food when me famish, and nurse when me sick.
Willy-force[8] nigger, he belly be empty,