Slaves were expected to sing as well as to work. A silent slave was not liked, either by masters or overseers.

I hear the mournful wail of millions!

The man who will get up will be helped up; and the man who will not get up will be allowed to stay down.

I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.

The man who is right is a majority. He who has God and conscience on his side, has a majority against the universe.

I had as well be killed running as die standing

From my earliest recollection, I date the entertainment of a deep conviction that slavery would not always be able to hold me within its foul embrace; and in the darkest hours of my career in slavery, this living word of faith and spirit of hope departed not from me, but remained like ministering angels to cheer me through the gloom. This good spirit was from God, and to him I offer thanksgiving and praise.