2$1 
chap, iii.] WEST INDIES. 
mass a (master), after which they recapitulate some 
of the instances of particular kindness shewn them 
by their owner or employer, adducing these also as 
proofs of their own merit; it being evident they 
think, that no such kindness can be gratuitous. 
This is their usual exordium, as well when they 
bring complaints against others, as when they are 
called upon to defend themselves; and it is in vain 
to interrupt either plaintiff or defendant. Yet I 
have sometimes heard them convey much stronger 
meaning in a narrow compass: I have been surpri¬ 
sed by such figurative expressions, and (notwith¬ 
standing their ignorance of abstract terms) such 
pointed sentences, as would have reflected no 
disgrace on poets and philosophers. One instance 
recurs to my memory, of so significant a turn of 
expression in a common labouring negro, who could 
have had no opportunity of improvement from 
the conversation of white people, as is alone, I 
think, sufflcienf to demonstrate that negroes have 
minds very capable of observation. It was a servant 
who had brought me a letter, and, while I was 
preparing an answer, had, through weariness and 
fatigue, fallen asleep on the floor: as soon as the 
papers were ready, I directed him to be awaken¬ 
ed; but this was no easy matter. When the negro 
who attempted to awake him, exclaimed in the 
usual jargon, yon no hear massa rail you ? that is, 
don’t you hear master call you ? Sleep, replied the 
poor fellow, looking up, and returning composedly 
to his slumbers, sleep hah no massa . (Sleep has no 
master.) 
