Uncle Remus, His Songs and His Sayings

IV. THE PLOUGH-HANDS' SONG (JASPER COUNTY—1860.)

     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's 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!

     Do co'n '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 turn strong;
     De cow's gwine home wid der ding-dang-dong—
     Sling in anudder tetch er de ole-time song:
     Good-night, Mr. Whipperwill! don't stay long!

     —Don't stay long!