SWEET MEAT HAS SOUR SAUCE OR, THE SLAVE-TRADER IN THE DUMPS [Written early in 1788.  Published by Southey, 1836.] A TRADER I am to the African shore, But since that my trading is like to be o'er, I'll sing you a song that you ne'er heard before,                     Which nobody can deny, deny,                     Which nobody can deny. When I first heard the news it gave me a shock, Much like what they call an electrical knock, And now I am going to sell off my stock,                     Which nobody, &c. 'Tis a curious assortment of dainty regales, To tickle the negroes with when the ship sails, Fine chains for the neck, and a cat with nine tails,                     Which nobody, &c. Here's supple-jack plenty, and store of rat-tan, That will wind itself round the sides of a man, As close as a hoop round a bucket or can,                     Which nobody, &c. Here's padlocks and bolts, and screws for the thumbs, That squeeze them so lovingly till the blood comes, They sweeten the temper like comfits or plums,                     Which nobody, &c. When a negro his head from his victuals withdraws, And clenches his teeth and thrusts out his paws, Here's a notable engine to open his jaws,                     Which nobody, &c. Thus going to market, we kindly prepare A pretty black cargo of African ware, For what they must meet with when they get there,                     Which nobody, &c. 'Twould do your heart good to see 'em below, Lie flat on their backs all the way as we go, Like sprats on a gridiron, scores in a row,                     Which nobody, &c. But ah! if in vain I have studied an art So gainful to me, all boasting apart, I think it will break my compassionate heart,                     Which nobody, &c. For oh! how it enters my soul like an awl! This pity, which some people self-pity call, Is sure the most heart-piercing pity of all,                     Which nobody, &c. So this is my song, as I told you before; Come buy off my stock, for I must no more Carry Caesars and Pompeys to Sugar-cane shore,                     Which nobody can deny, deny,                     Which nobody can deny. 5 11 17 23 29 35

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