A Gentleman, who seem'd very grave,
Said unto me, how long are you a slave;
Not two years quite. I unto him reply'd,
That is but very short indeed he cry'd,
He ask'd my trade, name, and whence I came,
And what vile act had brought me to this shame,
I told him all at which he shook his head,
I hope you've seen your folly now he said.
I told him yes, and truly did repent.
But what makes me the most of all relent,
That I should to my parents prove so vile
Being their darling and their only child,
He said no more but short from me did turn,
While from my eyes the tears did trickling run,
To see him to my overseer to go.
But what he said to him I did not know,
Then straightway he to me did come again,
And said no longer here you must remain,
For I have bought you of this said he,
Therefore prepare yourself to go with me,
I went with him, my heart opprest with woe.
Not knowing him or where I was to go,
But was surpris'd very much to find,
He used me so tenderly and kind.
He said he would not use me as a slave,
But as a servant if I'd well behave;
And if I pleas'd him, when my time expir'd,
He'd send me home again if I requir'd.
My kind new master at James's Town did dwell,
By trade a cooper and liv'd very well,
I was his servant on him to attend,
Thus God, unlook'd for, raised me a friend.
Notes
Most likely, at age 25, thanks to his ability to read, and the fact that he had experience as an apprentice tradesman, James found his way back into a tolerable life after only 12 years. The reader should keep in mind that most indentures were illiterate and we consequently lack their written record. This is largely the case with black slave narratives as well.
