Page:A short history of social life in England.djvu/370

350 mop and pattens, trundling her mop, squeezing out the sea water, and vigorously pushing away the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic was roused, Mrs. Partington's spirit was up; but I need not tell you the contest was unequal. The Atlantic Ocean beat Mrs. Partington. She was excellent at a slop or a puddle, but she should not have meddled with a tempest Gentlemen, be at your ease and steady. You will beat Mrs. Partington."

He had prophesied right. The Lords passed the Reform Bill the following year, by which all the newly developed towns were represented, and the middle class of England secured a voice in the government of the country. True, the people themselves secured nothing, but they were hardly ready yet A few years later and their turn came. "Give us," cried the Chartists, who represented the aspirations of the people, "give us, not government by the rich, but government by the people; not protection, but political rights. Give us our Charter, and then will this dread interval of darkness an anguish pass away; then will that dawn come for which we have watched so long, and justice, love, and plenty inhabit this land and there abide."