circumstances—and all, indeed—can do something, and much, to relieve poverty,—is simply to be willing and to resolve to pay a fair and remunerating price for everything they buy. Now this will require more self-denial than would be at first supposed. We naturally wish to buy things "cheap," forgetting that in the simple indulgence of that selfish wish, we are injuring and distressing thousands. What is it that causes the sad "Song of the Shirt"[1] to be heard at the lonely midnight hour, where yon dim taper burns? Stitch—stitch—stitch—the poor woman labors on, till the morning light appears,—all to get a few pence to procure the day's bread for her wretched self or her starving children. Who is it that causes this wretchedness? It is not the fault alone of her hard employer. It is the fault, also, of the equally hard-hearted and selfish purchaser, who grinds down the seller to the lowest possible price, and thus in a manner compels him to have his work done as cheaply as possible, in order to make a living for himself, and to be able to compete with his fellow-tradesmen. The evil begins with the selfish public, and with the selfish individuals of whom the public is composed. But let every man—every Christian man and woman—let every person of principle and benevolence and common justice—set their face against this wrong,—and a great change would follow, and the comfort and happiness of thousands be increased. Let every just-minded person resolve to avoid and discountenance "bargain" shops and "cheap"
- ↑ See Hood's Song of the Shirt. So much was this touching poem prized by the author himself, that he is said, at his death, to have requested these words to be inscribed on his tomb: "He sang the Song of the Shirt."
