Taken Aback

Let me go, Joe, for I want go home: Can’t stan’ wid you, For pa might go come; An’ if him only hab him rum, I don’t know whatever I’ll do. I must go now, for it’s gettin’ night I am afraid, An’ tis not moonlight: Give me de last hug, an’ do it tight; Me pa gwin’ go knock off me head. No, Joe, don’t come!—you will keep me late, An’ pa might be In him sober state; Him might get vex’ an’ lock up de gate, Den what will becomin’ of me? Go wid you, Joe?—you don’t lub me den! I shame’ o’ you— Gals caan’ trust you men! An’ I b’en tekin’ you fe me frien’; Good-night, Joe, you’ve proven untrue.