55. Dives and Lazarus II
This is avowedly the production of a local ballad-maker of Watauga county. Thomas Smith of Boone in that county reports it as follows: "The above song sung to me May 7th, 1915, by Edmund B. Miller, who composed it himself, he says, over 30 years ago. He has sung it in this county to hundreds of people. Mr. Miller is a native bard or song-maker ; he has composed many songs on murders, hangings, etc. His age is 65 or more years. In size he is a giant, being probably the largest man in the county. He lives in Meat Camp township." The title given is again 'The Rich Man and Lazarus.'
'The Rich Man and Lazarus'
Come all thoughtless people by whom Adam came,
The poor and the rich, the blind and the lame,
Close in with the words of our blessed Lord
Or you'll burn forever like he says in his word.
You've read of the rich man and beggar likewise.
The beggar did die and to heaven did rise ;
The rich man died also, and was so surprised
When awaken in hell and did lift up his eyes.
He saw Abraham afar off in mansions above
And Eazarus in his bosom in mansions of love.
He called to Abraham to send him relief,
'For I am sadly in misery and grief.'
He said: 'Son, remember when you lived of old
Dres't in your fine linen, your purple and gold,
And Lazarus lay sick, covered in boils.
You had no compassion to pity his woes.'
He said: 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me.
Send one to my home; Fve five brothers more;
When they hear of me and my sad state
I hope they'll repent before it's too late.'
'They've done had warning to stop and repent,
Believe in our Savior and the Prophets sent;
If they won't believe and come to the Lord
They would not believe though one sent from the dead.
'There is also a great gulf between me and thee.
Those wish to pass cannot come on to me,
But there you must stay and lament your sad state.
For now you are praying when it is too late.'