Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/279

 Alton Locke's Song: 1848

(See pages 78, 84, 223)

Weep, weep, weep and weep For pauper, dolt and slave! Hark! from wasted moor and fen Feverous alley, stifling den, Swells the wail of Saxon men— Work! or the grave!

Down, down, down and down, With idler, knave, and tyrant! Why for sluggards cark and moil? He that will not live by toil Has no right on English soil! God's word's our warrant!

Up, up, up and up! Face your game and play it! The night is past, behold the sun! The idols fall, the lie is done! The Judge is set, the doom begun! Who shall stay it?

Do not waste your time on Social Questions. What is the matter with the poor is Poverty what is the matter with the Rich is Uselessness.