THE POOR MAN AND HIS BEER.
[Mr. Chamberlain, at Birmingham, said, "We know that the Government propose to deprive the working classes of their beer." ("Shame!" and a Voice, "They don't!")
"Rob the poor Workman of his glass of beer!!!"
And can that clap-trap, then, still raise a cheer?
The British Workman has a thirsty throat,
The British Workman also has a Vote,
One will protect the other—if it cares to.
But if he'd close, by vote, the shops such snares to
His tipple-tempted and intemperate throttle
He robs himself of access to the bottle,—
If robbery it's called—'tis not another,
(Who is a swell, with cellars) his poor brother
Deprives of that long-hackneyed, much-mouthed "glass."
The British Workman is not quite an ass,
And where he wants to whet (with beer) his throat,
Where are you like to get your two-thirds Vote?
Whether there's wisdom in this vaunted Veto,
Is quite another question sense must see to.
And general justice judge. But those who cheer
The stale old fudge about the Poor Man's Beer,
Should learn it is a dodge of vested pelf,
And, rich or poor, a man can't rob himself.
It is the poor who suffer from temptation,
And drink's detestable adulteration,
That crying ill which no one dares to tackle!
Whilst Witlers howl, and Water-zealots cackle.
The poor are poisoned, not by honest drink,
But lethal stuff that might scour out a sink.
The Poor Man's Beer, quotha! Who'll keep it pure?
Not rich monopolists, nor prigs demure,
Those shriek for freedom, these for prohibition,
"Vend the drugged stuff sans scrutiny or condition!"
Cries Vested Interest. "Close, by law or Vote,
The Witler's tavern and the Workman's throat!"
Shouts the fanatic. Which, then, fad or pelf,
Cares really, solely, for the Poor Man's self?
Nay; the Monopolist fights for his money,
The Monomaniac for his craze. How funny
To hear one shout for freedom, t'other cheer
The poisoner's cant about the Poor Man's Beer!
WHY is it evident that Mr. Arthur Balfour didn't know much of Ireland until last Monday week, April 3? Because 'twas then he went to Larne.