Anecdotes of the Manners and Customs of London during the Eighteenth Century; Vol. 1 (of 2) / Including the Charities, Depravities, Dresses, and Amusements etc.

by James Peller Malcolm

No friend to succour, and without a home?

Their little all with sorrow they survive,

And hardly deem it mercy, that they live.

Your tender care their present wants supplies,

And gives to industry new means to rise;

Nor needed yet this bounteous act to prove

Your wide humanity, and social love;

All, all who want it, your protection find;

For Britons are the friends of all mankind."

The continued rains of May 1761 had almost ruined the haymakers assembled near the Metropolis, and compelled them to enter it as suitors for charity, which they received to the amount of 16l. 12s. from the Merchants on Change spontaneously. 129 persons shared the above sum.