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1872–1906

A PLEA

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Treat me nice, Miss Mandy Jane, Treat me nice. Dough my love has tu'ned my brain, Treat me nice.

I ai n't done a t'ing to shame, Lovahs all ac's jes’ de same; Do n't you know we ai n't to blame? Treat me nice!

Cose I know I‘ s talkin’ wild; Treat me nice; I cai n't talk no bettah, child, Treat me nice;

Whut a pusson gwine to do, Wen he come a-cou'tin’ you All a-trimblin’ thoo and thoo? Please be nice.

Reckon I mus’ go de paf Othahs do: Lovahs lingah, ladies laff; Mebbe you

Do’ mean all the things you say, An’ pu'haps some latah day W'en I baig you ha'd, you may Treat me nice!

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A PLEA · Paul Laurence Dunbar · Poetry Cove