University of Virginia Library

DEDICATED TO ------, AN AGED PIONEER WHO NOW RESIDES NEAR CHATHAM, C. W.

[_]

Air—“The Low-Back'd Car.”

Old Master used to say,
If ever I run away,
I'd starve and freeze,
And die by degrees,
If I went to Canada;
But fifteen years ago, or more,
My home I did forsake,
And left for Queen Victoria's shore,
Across the dancing Lake.

Chorus—

And I never have rued the day—
I never have rued the day—
I never, no never, no never, no never,
Since I have run away.
[Rept. Chorus
I struggled for three long years,
To conquer my doubts and fears,
My heart it would quail
And my courage would fail,
Whenever the hour drew near.
“I can but perish if I go”—
I'll venture now, said I;

16

“For If I tarry here, I know”
A slave I'll live and die—

Chorus—

And I never have rued the day, &c,
The road appeared dark and long—
My enemies thick, and strong—
I knew my sad lot
If I failed in my plot,
As I traveled the journey alone.
But I resolved in the strength of God,
When I left Old Tennessee,
To lose the last drop of my warm heart's blood,
But what I would be free.

Chorus—

And I never have rued the day, &c.
I found no fault with my fare—
I had plenty of clothes to wear—
Had plenty of food
And that which was good,
And was free from incumbering care.
But there was something still behind,
My mind did constant crave—
I thought it never was designed
That I should be a slave.

Chorus—

And I never have rued the day, &c.
The climate is cold, 'tis true,
The country rough and new
And too near the pole
For any poor soul

17

That has no desire “to do.”
But I have worked both day and night,
And bought myself a home,
Where I can enjoy my equal rights,
And I find I'm not alone.

Chorus—

And I never have rued the day—
I never have rued the day—
I never, no never, no never, no never,
I'm glad I run away.
[Repeat.