It would make him discontented and unhappy.' These words sank deep into my heart, stirred up sentiments within that lay slumbering, and called into existence an entirely new train of thought.

As to himself, it could do him no good, but a great deal of harm.

He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master. It would forever unfit him to be a slave. Now,' said he, 'if you teach that nigger (speaking of myself) how to read, there would be no keeping him. Learning would spoil the best nigger in the world. A nigger should know nothing but to obey his master-to do as he is told to do.

To use his own words, further, he said, 'If you give a nigger an inch, he will take an ell. Auld to instruct me further, telling her, among other things, that it was unlawful, as well as unsafe, to teach a slave to read. Auld found out what was going on, and at once forbade Mrs. After I had learned this, she assisted me in learning to spell words of three or four letters. Auld, she very kindly commenced to teach me the A, B, C. That cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, soon became red with rage that voice, made all of sweet accord, changed to one of harsh and horrid discord and that angelic face gave place to that of a demon. The fatal poison of irresponsible power was already in her hands, and soon commenced its infernal work. Her face was made of heavenly smiles, and her voice of tranquil music.īut, alas! this kind heart had but a short time to remain such. The meanest slave was put fully at ease in her presence, and none left without feeling better for having seen her. She did not deem it impudent or unmannerly for a slave to look her in the face. Her favor was not gained by it she seemed to be disturbed by it. The crouching servility, usually so acceptable a quality in a slave, did not answer when manifested toward her. My early instruction was all out of place. I could not approach her as I was accustomed to approach other white ladies. She was entirely unlike any other white woman I had ever seen. I scarcely knew how to behave towards her. I was utterly astonished at her goodness. She was by trade a weaver and by constant application to her business, she had been in a good degree preserved from the blighting and dehumanizing effects of slavery. She had never had a slave under her control previously to myself, and prior to her marriage she had been dependent upon her own industry for a living. My new mistress proved to be all she appeared when I first met her at the door,-a woman of the kindest heart and finest feelings. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself (Boston: the Anti-Slavery Office, 1845).

Douglass narrative