"We all went tuh a pahty one time an’ Scot Cole’s sistah et a big apple thar. After a little while, she died. So’s ma muthuh tole us to not eat anythin’ dat people give you; hit might be poisen’d.
"I’se been tole dat if people dies satisfied, dey don’ kum bak, but if dey don’ dies satisfied, dey kum back. But I never seed nothin’."
"Jesus in his chariot rides He had three white horses side by side When Jesus reached the mountain top He spoke one word, the chariot stop He’s the lily of the valley, O my Lord."
(Following, is a ’Love Song’ she sang; which she learned as a girl when attending play-parties):
"I’m wandering down to Graybrook Town, Where the drums and fifes are beating The Americans have gained the day And the British are retreating.
My pretty little pink, I used to think that you and I would marry, But since you told me so many faults I care nothing about you.
I’ll take my knapsack on my back My rifle on my shoulder I’ll open up a ring and choose a couple in To relieve the broken hearted."
(Following is a song she learned as a child):
"I’ll tune up my fiddle I’ll rosin my bow I’ll make myself welcome Wherever I go
Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, Ain’t no friend of mine, He killed my old daddy And he injured my mind."
(Following is a song she learned as a child):
"Rain, rain, rain all around Ain’t goin’ rain no more And what did the blackbird say to the crow? You bring rain, and I’ll bring snow
Rain, rain, rain all around Ain’t goin’ a-rain no more Old Hawk and buzzard went to roost The hawk came back with a loosened tooth.
Rain, rain, rain all around Ain’t goin’ a-rain no more I had an old hat and it had a crown, Look like a duck’s nest sittin’ on the ground.
Rain, rain, rain all around, Ain’t goin’ a-rain no more."
(Following is a speech she gave as a small child) [HR: Not ex-slave]:
"I love the cheerful summertime, With all the birds and flowers. I love the gentle flowing streams, I love the evening breeze, I love to go to school.
To read, write and spell I love my teacher’s smile again And get my lessons well."
(Following is a speech given as a child) [HR: not ex-slave—white version]:
"Hear the children gayly shout Half past four, school is out Merry, merry, playful girls and boys Thinking of games and toys Slates, sleds, dolls and books Oh how happy each one looks 'Now for snowballs’, Harry cried And to hit his sister tried Sister Flora full of fun With her little hand making one At her brother Harry threw Swift it flew and hit his nose 'Have I hurt you brother dear?’ Asked his sister running near 'No indeed’, said he 'This is only sport for me.’"