Talley. Little Boy Who Couldn't Count Seven

From Negro Folk Rhymes by Thomas Talley.

See the reference also in the Banjo Boy.

LITTLE BOY WHO COULDN'T COUNT SEVEN

Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count one.

Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought it great big fun.

Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count two.

Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought 'e 'us gwine through.

Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count three.

Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought de Niggers 'us free.

Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count fō'.

Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e jumped out on de flō'.

Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count five.

Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought de dead alive.

Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count six.

Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e never did git fix!

Once der wus a liddle boy dat couldn' count seben.

Dey pitched him in a fedder bed; 'e thought he's gwine to Heaben!

(antique feather bed)