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Paul Laurence Dunbar

A Coquette Conquered

Yes, my ha't's ez ha'd ez stone—

Go 'way, Sam, an' lemme 'lone.

No; I ain't gwine change my min'—

Ain't gwine ma'y you—nuffin' de kin'.


Phiny loves you true an' deah?

Go ma'y Phiny; whut I keer?

Oh, you needn't mou'n an' cry—

I don't keer how soon you die.


Got a present! Whut you got?

Somef'n fu' de pan er pot!

Huh! yo' sass do sholy beat—

Think I don't git 'nough to eat?


Whut's dat un'neaf yo' coat?

Looks des lak a little shoat.

'Tain't no possum? Bless de Lamb!

Yes, it is, you rascal, Sam!


Gin it to me; whut you say?

Ain't you sma't now! Oh, go 'way!

Possum do look mighty nice,

But you ax too big a price.


Tell me, is you talkin' true,

Dat's de gal's whut ma'ies you?

Come back, Sam; now whah's you gwine?

Co'se you knows dat possum's mine!