four o'clock
Sam . `` I heard the old doctor say the other night , As he passed by the dining-room door ` Perhaps the old man may live through the night , But I think he will die about four . ' Young mistress sent me , at the peril of my life , For the parson to come down and pray , For says she , ` Your old master is now about to die , ' And says I , ` God speed him on his way . ' `` Hang up the shovel , & c. `` At four o'clock at morn the family was called Around the old man 's dying bed ; And oh ! but I laughed to myself when I heard That the old man 's spirit had fled . Mr. Carlton cried , and so did I pretend ; Young mistress very nearly went mad ; And the old parson 's groans did the heavens fairly rend ; But I tell you I felt mighty glad . `` Hang up the shovel , & c. `` We 'll no more be roused by the blowing of his horn , Our backs no longer he will score ; He no more will feed us on cotton-seeds and corn ; For his reign of oppression now is o'er .