Divided more and more is labour
Each man leans more on his neighbour.
For twenty million pounds the nation
Buys our slaves’ emancipation.
Reform Act
In eighteen-three-two, happy year,
The great Reform Act doth appear.
Steam vessels the Atlantic cross.
The penny post comes into force.
And double knocks bring joys and thrills
Sometimes cheques, more often bills.
Corn Law Repeal 1846
The Corn Law duty’s brushed away,
Hence we enjoy cheap bread to-day.
WE fain would linger, but alas,
These are the periods we must pass.
So gentle reader do not grin
At sight of cumbrous crinoline.
Victoria 1837–1901
Since Queen Victoria’s palmy days
Woman has altered all her ways.
In those days she was meek and mild
And treated almost like a child;