ABOU BEN BUTLER.
- ABOU Ben Butler (may his tribe increase!)
- Awoke one night down by the old Belize,
- And saw, outside the comfort of his room,
- Making it warmer for the gathering gloom,
- A black man shivering in the winter’s cold.
- Exceeding courage made Ben Butler bold,
- And to the presence in the dark ho said :
- "What wantest thou?" The figure raised its head,
- And with a look made of all sad accord
- Answered; " The men who'll serve the purpose of the Lord."
- "And am I one?" said Butler. "Nay, not so,"
- Replied the black man. Butler spoke more low,
- But cheerily still and said: "As I am Ben,
- You'll not have cause to tell me that again."
- The figure bowed and vanished. The next night
- It came once more, environed strong in light
- And showed the names whom love of freedom blessed,
- And lo! Ben Butler's name led all the rest.
____________
visitors since 04/04/2004
Page updated 08/12/2004.