And once again poor Sambo’s voice
Was heard among the rest;
They did rejoice at such a choice,
And thought him highly blest.
But Sambo’s master soon found out
The boy had broken the rule;
He asked the youth, who spoke the truth—
“Yes, massa, been to school.
Me heard of Jesus — precious Lord!”
Escaped his smiling lips;
His heart was glad, the happy lad
Feared neither men nor whips.
“Me love my Jesus, massa, much,
Me love to school to go;
For, massa, Jesus’ precious blood
Has washed me white as snow.”
The master stared; his face was red,
He clutched his dreadful whip,
And bade a negro, tall and strong,
Poor little Sambo strip.
Poor boy! he trembled, though his heart
Was very full of glee,
As soon his hands above his head
Were fastened to a tree.
The master bade the negro get
A whip both stout and strong;
The dreaded weapon soon appeared,
And crack soon went the thong.
Then said the master, ere the strokes
Had numbered twenty-five,
“What can your Jesus do for you
When whipping times arrive?”
“Oh, massa, Jesus love me much,”
The suffering boy replied;
“I know that He is very near—
Yes, massa, by my side.”
The master’s face was very wroth,
And with a dreadful roar,
He bade the negro with the whip
“Give five-and-twenty more.”
And thick and fast the lashes fell;
The master foamed with rage;
He did not care, nor would he spare
The child of tender age.
The monster laughed his loudest laugh,
And cried with cruel hiss,
“What can your Jesus do for you
In such an hour as this?”
“Oh, massa, Jesus, faithful Lord,”
Replied the suffering boy;
“My back do smart — but oh, my heart
Is full of heavenly joy.”
Again the monster stamped with rage,
And shouted as before,
Drew near his side, and once more
cried,
“Give five-and-twenty more.”
Again the planter cried aloud,
With frown upon his brow,
“What can your Jesus do for you?
How can He help you now?”
“I love my Jesus, massa, much;
My Jesus loves me too;
Whip very sharp — de precious Lord,
He helps me pray for you!”
And around dear little Sambo’s grave
The weeping negroes stayed;
And many a heart, with pity moved,
For “cruel massa” prayed!
And when these loving prayers are heard
In heaven, there will be joy
When massa meets in heaven above
The faithful negro boy!