To The Gold Coast for Gold, Vol. II - A Personal Narrative by Verney Lovett Cameron;Sir Richard Francis Burton
page 49 of 310 (15%)
page 49 of 310 (15%)
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by mistake during the rout of his party. R.I.P.
Another reminiscence. Although it has melancholy associations, I can hardly remember without a smile my last visit to good Bishop Payne. He led me to the mission-school, a shed that sheltered settles and desks, tattered books, slates and boards, two native pedagogues, and two lines of pupils sized from the right, the biggest being nearest the 'boss.' We took our places upon the bench, and the catechiser, when bade to begin, opened, after a little hesitation, as follows:-- _Q_. Who he be de fuss man?--_A_. Adam. _Q_. Who he be de fuss woman?--_A_. Ebe. _Q_. Whar de Lord put 'em?--_A_. In de garden. _Q_. What he be de garden?--_A_. Eden. _Q_. What else he be dere?--_A_. De sarpint. _Q_. What he be de sarpint?--_A_. De snake. _Q_. Heigh! What, de snake he 'peak?--_A_. No, him be debbil. And so forth. The reading was much in the same style. The whole scene reminded me of a naïve narrative [Footnote: _The Gospel to the Africans: Narrative of the Life and Labours of the Rev. William Jameson._ London: Hamilton, Adams, & Co., 1861.] which gives the 'following account of the fall of our First Parents from the lips of an aged negro at the examination of candidates:'-- 'Massa (God) said Adam must nyamee (eat) all de fruit ob de garden, but (be out, except) de tree of knowledge. And he said to Adam, "Adam! you no muss nyamee dis fruit, else you dead." De serpent come to say to Mammy |
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