When I left the house of bondage I left everything behind. I wasn't going to keep nothing of Egypt on me, an' so I went to the Lord an' asked him to give me a new name. And he gave me Sojourner because I was to travel up and down the land showing the people their sins and bein' a sign unto them. I told the Lord I wanted two names 'cause everybody else had two, and the Lord gave me Truth, because I was to declare the truth to the people.

I feel safe even in the midst of my enemies; for the truth is powerful and will prevail.

I did not run away, I walked away by daylight….

I am glad to see that men are getting their rights, but I want women to get theirs, and while the water is stirring, I will step into the pool.

If women want any rights more than they's got, why don't they just take them, and not be talking about it?

Then I will speak upon the ashes.

And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?