Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold By "F. Harald Williams"[i.e. F. W. O. Ward]. First Edition |
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SONGS OF THE SLUMS.
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 | Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold |  |
SONGS OF THE SLUMS.
PROLOGUE.
Dives, now, hear the Songs of the Slums
And the tenants who live by their wits,
Who know nothing of reading or sums
And would send an Inspector in fits;
Folks who live as they can,
Without purse, without plan,
At the cost of the wealthy and simple
And more fortunate neighbours,
The fat priest and the prude with her dimple,
And by other men's labours;
They have only one notion of right,
And that not in the Bible—it's might.
And the tenants who live by their wits,
Who know nothing of reading or sums
And would send an Inspector in fits;
Folks who live as they can,
Without purse, without plan,
At the cost of the wealthy and simple
And more fortunate neighbours,
The fat priest and the prude with her dimple,
And by other men's labours;
They have only one notion of right,
And that not in the Bible—it's might.
But remember the devil is not
Quite as black as some persons may say,
And though cadgers bear many a spot
There is gold in the dirtiest clay;
They may borrow your coat,
Or perform on your throat
For the sake of the pearls or the corals—
If you happen to struggle,
For they have funny manners and morals
And are awkward to juggle.
But just treat them with liberal sense
And they'll toast you—though at your expense.
Quite as black as some persons may say,
And though cadgers bear many a spot
There is gold in the dirtiest clay;
They may borrow your coat,
Or perform on your throat
For the sake of the pearls or the corals—
If you happen to struggle,
For they have funny manners and morals
And are awkward to juggle.
But just treat them with liberal sense
And they'll toast you—though at your expense.
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If they hustle and maul you at times
Count it in with the work of the day,
Not that loafers are partial to crimes
But it's only their ignorant way;
For somehow they must live,
And if Dives won't give
They must collar whatever comes handy
And will boil up the kettle,
Be it Dutchman or drunkard or dandy,—
They must prove they have mettle;
If you meet them as human and kin,
They'll be tender and leave you your skin.
Count it in with the work of the day,
Not that loafers are partial to crimes
But it's only their ignorant way;
For somehow they must live,
And if Dives won't give
They must collar whatever comes handy
And will boil up the kettle,
Be it Dutchman or drunkard or dandy,—
They must prove they have mettle;
If you meet them as human and kin,
They'll be tender and leave you your skin.
But they are not all idle and thieves
And not one had your outfit and start,
And the rogue who so lightly relieves
You of money may have a good heart;
Some are honest and kind,
With the weather and wind,
When these offer them luck and fair chances
And the troublesome Bobbies
Let them try more respectable dances
And forsake legal hobbies;
Though they relish no toil they can drudge,
And would more but for jury and judge.
And not one had your outfit and start,
And the rogue who so lightly relieves
You of money may have a good heart;
Some are honest and kind,
With the weather and wind,
When these offer them luck and fair chances
And the troublesome Bobbies
Let them try more respectable dances
And forsake legal hobbies;
Though they relish no toil they can drudge,
And would more but for jury and judge.
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