Week 4 (January 15)

I have often been utterly astonished, since I came to the north, to

find persons who could speak of the singing, among slaves, as

evidence of their contentment and happiness.  It is impossible to

conceive of a greater mistake.  Slaves sing most when they are most

unhappy.  The songs of the slave represent the sorrows of his

heart; and he is relieved by them, only as an aching heart is

relieved by its tears.  At least, such is my experience.  I have

often sung to drown my sorrow, but seldom to express my happiness.


        --Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick

          Douglass, an American Slave



Postea quam ad septentrionalia pervenerim, omnino et saepissime

miratus sum eos qui cantum servorum dicant gaudii signum et

laetitiae, quo nullus error concipi potest maior.  Cum plurimum 

dolent plurimum canunt servi quorum cantus dolores animi 

monstrant, a quo canendo quietem capiunt nullo modo quam quo 

animos luctuosos reficiant lacrimae.  Mihi saltem videtur, 

saepe enim cecini ut dolorem minuam, raro ut gaudium exprimam.