Dearest Mae (as composed by James Power, 1847) 

Now, darkies, come and listen, a story I'll relate,
 It happened in a valley in the old Carolina State. 
It was down in the meadow I used to make the hay; 
I always work the harder when I think of lovely Mae.

Chorus

 Oh, dearest Mae, you're lovely as the day,
 Your eyes so bright, they shine at night, 
When the moon am gone away.


My massa gave me holiday, I wish he'd give me more, 
I thanked him very kindly as I shoved my boat from shore,
 And down the river paddled, with a heart so light and free, 
To the cottage of my lovely Mae, I long'd so much to see.

On the bank of the river, where the trees they hang so low,
When the coons among the branches play, and the minx he keeps below, 
Oh ! there is the spot, and Mae, she looks so very sweet, 
Her eyes they sparkle like the stars, and her lips are red as beet.

Beneath the shady old oak tree, I've sat for many an hour,
As happy as the little bird that sports among the flowers; 
But, dearest Mae, I left her; she cried when both we parted, 
I gave her a long and farewell kiss, and back to massa started.