Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/144

 *not lead us? And expect that we are to remain quietly unled, and in a composed manner perish of starvation? What is it you expect of us? What is it you mean to do with us?" This question, I say, has been put in the hearing of all Britain; and will be again put, and ever again, till some answer be given it.

An Answer

(Ex-president of the United States; born 1857)

"What is a man to do who is starving, and cannot find work?"

"God knows."

The Parish Workhouse

(See page 29)

Theirs is yon house that holds the parish poor, Whose walls of mud scarce bear the broken door; There, where the putrid vapors flagging play, And the dull wheel hums doleful through the day; There children dwell who know no parents' care; Parents, who know no children's love, dwell there; Heart-broken matrons on their joyless bed, Forsaken wives and mothers never wed; Dejected widows with unheeded tears, And crippled age with more than childhood-fears; The lame, the blind, and—far the happiest they!— The moping idiot and the madman gay.