Thirteen years ago; I came to your door; a weary fugitive from chains and stripes. I was a stranger; and you took me in. I was hungry; and you fed me. Naked was I; and you clothed me. Even a name by which to be known among men; slavery had denied me. You bestowed upon me your own. Base; indeed; should I be; if I ever forget what I owe to you; or do anything to disgrace that honored name!