 | Journal of a Residence among the Negroes in the West Indies |  |
MARCH 31. (Sunday.)
With their usual levity the negroes were laughing and talkink as gaily as ever till the very moment of my departure ; but when , they saw my curricle actually at the door to convey me away, then their faces grew very long indeed. In particular, the women called me by every endearing name they could think of. " My son! my love ! my husband ! my father !" " You no my massa, you my tata!" said one old woman ; and when I came down the steps to depart, they crowded about me, kissing my feet and clasping my knees, so that it was with difficulty that I cold get into the carriage. And this was done with such
I dined with Mr. Allwood at Shaftstone, near Blue-fields, and half-past seven found myself once more on board the " Sir Godfrey Webster."
YARRA.
Poor Yarra comes to bid farewell,But Yarra!s lips can never say it!
Her swimming eyes-her bosom's swell-
The debt she owes you, these must pay it.
She ne'er can speak, though tears can start,
Her grief, that fate so soon removes you;
But One there is, who reads the heart,
And well He knows how Yarra loves you!
When chill disease had nipp'd his flower,
You came and spoke the word of joy,
And poured the juice of healing power.,
To visit far Jamaica's shore
Had no kind angel deign'd to move you,
These laughing eyes had laugh'd Do more,
Nor Yarra lived to thank and love you.
Our isle you left your English pleasures:
One tear, which falls in grateful dew,
Is worth the best of Britain's treasures.
And sure, the thought will bring relief,
Whate'er your fate, wherever rove you,
Your wealth's not gained through pain and grief,
But given by bands and hearts that love you.
Through care for Afric's sons and daughters;
When round your bark the billows rave,
In safety guide you through the waters!
By all you love with smiles be met ;
Through life each good man's tongue approve you:
And though far distant, don't forget,
While Yarra lives, she'll live to love you
| Journal of a Residence among the Negroes in the West Indies | |