Page:The Laboring Classes of England.djvu/17

 to two or more classes. Thus if we couple together classes 1 and 2, we shall have a mass of individuals commonly known as the "head;" and following the same rule with 7 and 8, we get what is called the "tail" of society.

The first four may be called "privileged classes;" and the last four non-privileged classes. The first five as law-making classes, the last three as classes having nothing to do with the laws but to obey, to do, and to suffer as others may direct.

It is a matter of some doubt with the writer, whether there are to be found in the world the same number of people enjoying equal privileges, as the first four classes; or a portion of any community enduring privations and sufferings such as are patiently endured by the last four.

There is something which makes some of these classes attract and repel each other. Thus the poorer portion of class 2, have a great affinity for class 3, and many of class 3 having got all but a "title," reciprocate this sympathy, and marriage is the consequence. Repulsion takes place when any members of the "head" are brought into contact with a member of the "tail."

The ascent in these classes is attended with difficulty and danger to the adventurous individual who attempts it; the descent is accomplished much easier.

I am a native of class 4, and was reduced in childhood to class 6. I rose again after I had quitted the factories to my native element 4; after I had lost my arm I again sunk to 6, and it was with great difficulty I prevented myself falling to 7.

With respect to the beautiful poem, I may say, that I do not know the name of the author. It appears, it was printed for private circulation among the upper classes;