LAISSEZ FAIRE.

Here is an Institution doomed to scare

The furious devotees of Laissez Faire.

What mental shock, indeed, could prove immenser

To Mumbo Jumbo—or to HERBERT SPENCER?

Free Books? Reading provided from the Rates?

Oh, that means Freedom's ruin, and the State's!

Self-help's all right,—e'en if you rob a brother—

But human creatures must not help each other!

The "Self-made Man," whom SAMUEL SMILES so praises,

Who on his fellows' necks his footing raises,

The systematic "Sweater," who sucks wealth

From toiling crowds by cunning and by stealth,—

He is all right, he has no maudlin twist,

He does not shock the Individualist!

But rate yourselves to give the poor free reading?

The Pelican to warm her nestlings bleeding,

Was no such monument of feeble folly.

Let folks alone, and all will then be jolly.

Let the poor perish, let the ignorant sink,

The tempted tumble, and the drunkard drink!

Let—no, don't let the low-born robber rob,

Because,—well, that would rather spoil the job.

If footpad-freedom brooked no interference,

Of Capital there might be a great clearance;

But, Wealth well-guarded, let all else alone.

'Tis thus our race hath to true manhood grown:

To make the general good the common care,

Breaks through the sacred law of Laissez Faire!