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The footman's friendly advice

To his Brethren of the Livery; And to all Servants in General: ... To which is Prefix'd, An Introduction, humbly Submitted to the Consideration of all Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Ladies, who keep many Servants. Also a postscript, In Answer To Squire Moreton's Pamphlet, Intituled, Every Body's Business is no Body's. By R. D. [i.e. Robert Dodsley]
Dodsley, Robert (1703-1764)

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SERVITUDE: A POEM.
 
SERVITUDE.
 
HONESTY.
 
CAREFULNESS.
 
OBEDIENCE.
 
DILIGENCE.
 
Of SUBMISSION to REBUKES.
 
NEATNESS.
 
Of Receiving and Delivering MESSAGES.
 
DISCRETION.

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OBEDIENCE.

Next, as we're Servants, Masters at our Hands
Expect Obedience to all just Commands;
Which, if we rightly think, is but their Due,
Nor more than we in Reason ought to do.
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Purchas'd by annual Wages, Cloaths, and Meat,
Theirs is our Time, our Hands, our Head, our Feet:
We think, design, and act at their Command,
And, as their Pleasure varies, walk or stand;
Whilst we receive the covenanted Hire,
Active Obedience justly they require:
If we dislike, and think it too severe,
We're free to leave, and seek a Place elsewhere.
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