^{(an answer to the foregoing)}

Sweetheart, I have loved you well,
More than dis lee tongue can tell,
An’ you need not hab no fear,
For I’ll marry you, my dear.

What are you talkin’ about?
Don’t say that I’ll play you out;
Swif’ ole Time, me Nell, will prove
Dat ‘tis you alone I love.

Cry not, except ’tis for joy;
Can’t you trus’ dis big-heart boy?
Nell, I hate fe see you weep;
Tek my heart, an’ go to sleep.

How could I deceive you, Nell?
Don’t I love you much too well?
Could I fool dat plump black cheek?
Don’t cry, darlin’—look up—speak!

Nellie of the pretty feet
An’ the palm-like shape so neat,
I have eyes to see but you;
Darling, trust me to be true!

Nell, me dear, you need not fret,
For you are my food, my breat’;
Trust me, trust me, Nellie White,
Kiss me, lee sweetheart—good-night!