This song, which was one of a series entitled “Voices from the Crowd,” originally appeared in the second number of the Daily News (London).
Most of Dr. Charles Mackay’s songs breathe sentiments of hope for the future of the people, and trust in their good sense and ability to govern themselves. Such sentiments were very unpopular forty years ago, when revolutions were of frequent occurrence on the Continent, and Chartism was dreaded in England. Hence Mackay’s verses were parodied as follows:—
The Pickpocket’s Blessing.
(By Charles Quackay.)
Curses on thee, haughty England!
Shall thy sad heart-broken child
Pray for blessings on a parent,
Who hath well-nigh made him wild?
Why should I prate of thy freedom,
When I’m laden with the weight