An old colored man charged with stealing chickens was arraigned in court and was incriminating himself when the judge said:
You ought to have a lawyer. Where's your lawyer?
Ah ain't got no lawyer, jedge, said the old man.
Very well, then, said his honor, "I'll assign a lawyer to defend you."
Oh, no, suh; no, suh! Please don't do dat! the darky begged.
Why not? asked the judge. "It won't cost you anything. Why don't you want a lawyer?"
Well, jedge, Ah'll tell you, suh, said the old man, waving his tattered old hat confidentially. "Hit's dis way. Ah wan' tah enjoy dem chickens mahse'f."