How would ye like to be tied to a tree, and have a slow fire lit up around ye;--wouldn't that be pleasant,--eh, Tom ?" "Mas'r," said Tom, "I know ye can do dreadful things; but,"-- he stretched himself upward and clasped his hands,--"but, after ye've killed the body, there an't no more ye can do.

And O, there's all ETERNITY to come, after that!" ETERNITY,--the word thrilled through the black man's soul with light and power, as he spoke; it thrilled through the sinner's soul, too, like the bite of a scorpion.

Legree gnashed on him with his teeth, but rage kept him silent; and Tom, like a man disenthralled, spoke, in a clear and cheerful voice, "Mas'r Legree, as ye bought me, I'll be a true and faithful servant to ye.

I'll give ye all the work of my hands, all my time, all my strength; but my soul I won't give up to mortal man.

I will hold on to the Lord, and put his commands before all,--die or live; you may be sure on 't.
Mas'r Legree, I ain't a grain afeard to die.