SO FUNNY

 

SO FUNNY - Anthropology of 1776

HAVE you ever seen a n. in the street and thought how funny he looked, with his thick lips, his sooty face, and his woolly black hair? I dare say you have- and, perhaps, laughed out loud, too- and wondered why some people are made with such very queer faces! Well, now listen to me and I will tell you a true story that was told to me. 
A kind clergyman, much interested in n., brought home two lads with him from Africa, meaning to have them educated in England. They were intelligent and well behaved, and they accompanied him by special invitation, to the house of the first friend he visited. At morning prayer the lads, already instructed in such matters, folded their hands as usual, and sat, gravely awaiting the reading of the passage of Scripture. Suddenly, without apparent reason, a broad smile broke over the countenance of one darkey, followed by a titter from the other; and as their mirth could not be concealed, the service was stopped, and the clergyman told them to state what it was amused them so much.

'There! There!', cried both the lads at once, bursting into fits of laughter; 'very much funny! Sambo must laugh!' 

And what do you think it was that amused them so much? The four little red-headed daughters of their host, who were sitting gravely opposite the n. lads. The Africans had never seen red hair before. I do not think it is necessary for me to point out the moral of this anecdote.

H.A.F. 

References:

Chatterbox 1876