Thus did I live in plenty, peace, and ease,
Having none but my master to please,
And if at any time he did ride out,
I with him rode the country round about.
And in my heart I often griev'd to see,
So many transport felons there to be;
Some, who in England had liv'd fine and brave,
Were like horses made to trudge and slave.
At length my fourteen years expir'd quite,
Which fill'd my very soul with fond delight,
To think I should not longer there remain,
But to Old England once return again,
My master for me did express much love,
And as good as his promise he did prove;
He got me shipp'd, and I came home again,
With joy and comfort tho' I went with pain.
My father and my mother well I found,
Who to see me with joy did abound;
My mother over me did weep for joy,
My father cry'd once more to see… my boy.
Whom I thought dead but does alive remain,
And is turn'd to me now once again;
I hope God has so wrought upon thy mind,
No more to wickedness thou'it be inclin'd
I told him all the dangers I went through,
Likewise my sickness and my hardships too,
Which fill'd their tender hearts with sad surprise,
While melting tears ran trickling from her eyes.
I begg'd them from all tears now to refrain,
Since God had brought me to their home again,
The Lord unto me so much grace will give,
To work for you both whilst I do live,
My countrymen take warning e'er it be to late,
Lest you should share my hard unhappy fate,
Altho' but little crimes you here have done,
Think on seven or fourteen years to come;
Forc'd from your country for to go
Among the negroes to work at the hoe,
In different countries void of relief
Sold for a slave because you prov'd a thief.
Young men all with speed your lives amend,
Take my advice as one that was your friend,
For tho' so light of it you do make here,
Hard is your lot if you do once get there.
FINIS:
Printed and sold by C. Croshaw, Coppergate, York.
