If I didn't hab yo'--reckon I'd be all alone;
(Rocky-bye--oh, rocky, rocky-bye.)

Little honey baby, shet yo' eyes up tight;--
(Shadow man is comin' from de moon,)
You's as sweet as roses, if dey is so pink and white;
(Shadow-man '11 get here mighty soon.)


The lines in brackets are supposed to be sung or chanted.
The Southern "Mammy" seldom sang a song through, but
interladed it with comments.--V.S.




THE FAIRY CLOCK

Silver clock! O silver clock! tell to me the time o' day!
Is there yet a little hour left for us to work and play?
Tell me when the sun will set--tiny globe of silver-grey.

It has been so glad a world since the coming of the morn,
Oft I wondered when I met any souls who seemed forlorn--
And I scarce gave heed to those who were old or travel worn.

Mayhap I have loved too well the merry fleeting things;
Run too lightly with the wind--chased too many shining wings;
Thought too seldom of the night, and the silence that it brings.