Well, the Northern folks kept sending The Yankee teachers down; And they stood right up and helped us, Though Rebs did sneer and frown. And, I longed to read my Bible, For precious words it said; But when I begun to learn it, Folks just shook their heads, And said there is no use trying, Oh! Chloe, you’re too late; But as I was rising sixty, I had no time to wait. So I got a pair of glasses, And straight to work I went, And never stopped till I could read The hymns and Testament. Then I got a little cabin A place to call my own— And I felt as independent As the queen upon her throne. CHURCH BUILDING. Uncle Jacob often told us, Since freedom blessed our race We ought all to come together And build a meeting place. So we pinched, and scraped, and spared, A little here and there: Though our wages was but scanty, The church did get a share. And, when the house was finished, Uncle Jacob came to pray; He was looking mighty feeble, And his head was awful gray. But his voice rang like a trumpet; His eyes looked bright and young; And it seemed a mighty power Was resting on his tongue. And he gave us all his blessing— ’Twas parting words he said, For soon we got the message The dear old man was dead. But I believe he’s in the kingdom, For when we shook his hand He said, “Children, you must meet me Right in the promised land; “For when I’m done a moiling And toiling here below, Through the gate into the city Straightway I hope to go.” THE REUNION. Well, one morning real early I was going down the street, And I heard a stranger asking For Missis Chloe Fleet. There was a something in his voice That made me feel quite shaky, And when I looked right in his face, Who should it be but Jakey! I grasped him tight, and took him home— What gladness filled my cup! And I laughed, and just rolled over, And laughed, and just give up.