“ The Preston Mills.”
The day was fair, the cannon roared,1
Cold blew the bracing north,2
And Preston’s mills, by thousands, poured3
Their little captives forth.4
All in their best they paced the street,5
All glad that they were free,6
And sang a song with voices sweet—7
They sang of liberty !8
But from their lips the rose had fled,9
Like “ death in life” they smiled ;10
And still as each passed by, I said—11
Alas ! is that a child ?12
Flags waved, and men—a ghastly crew—13
Marched with them side by side ;14
While hand in hand, and two by two,15
They moved—a living tide.16
Thousands and thousands—oh, so white !—17
With eyes so glazed and dull !18
Alas, it was indeed a sight19
Too sadly beautiful.20
And, oh, the pang their voices gave,21
Refuses to depart ;22
“ This is the wailing of the grave,”23
I whispered to my heart.24
It was as if where roses blushed,25
A sudden blasting gale26
O’er fields of bloom has rudely rushed,27
And turned the roses pale.28
It was as if, in glen and grove,29
The wild bird sadly sung,30
And every linnet mourned its love,31
And every thrush its young.32
It was as if in dungeon-gloom,33
Where chained Despair reclined,34
A sound came from the living tomb,35
And turned the passing wind.36
And while they sang, and though they smiled,37
My soul groaned heavily—38
Oh ! who would be, or have a child !—39
A mother who would be !40
[The painful picture which the eloquent author of “ Corn Law
Rhymes” has here painted, is “ taken from life.” Those who are
acquainted with the state of our manufacturing towns will readily
recognise its truth. May it have the effect of directing the attention
of the benevolent to the dreadful condition of “ slaves at home.”]
Rhymes” has here painted, is “ taken from life.” Those who are
acquainted with the state of our manufacturing towns will readily
recognise its truth. May it have the effect of directing the attention
of the benevolent to the dreadful condition of “ slaves at home.”]