In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call,
And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall,
He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all;
For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small,
Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.
When any of his working men are bold enough to press
For a trifle more of wages in a season of distress,
He answers like a thorough-going man of business:—
“Must I pay this or that for work which I could get for less?”
Says the fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.