← Table of contents
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 103, August 27, 1892

Volume 103 — THE SONG OF THE BAR.

Reading edition

Work, work, work! Sang HOOD, in the "Song of the Shirt," Of the seamstress slave who worked to her grave In poverty, hunger, and dirt. Work, work, work! The Bar-maid, too, can say, Work for ten hours, or more; Oh, for "eight hours" a day! Is she a happier slave Where gilding and mirrors abound? Of what can she think when eternal drink Is the cry of all around? Stand, stand, stand! Serving sots from far and near; Stand, stand, stand! More whiskey! More brandy! More beer! Possibly some one may say, "What can that matter to us? She is frail, frivolous, gay; She is not worth a fuss." Prig, all her life is a snare, You, so excessively good, Would pity her rather if there Once for ten hours you stood. How would you feel at the end? You may not think she is fit, Quite, for your sister's friend— Is she too wicked to sit? Stand stand, stand! In the smoke of pipe and cigar, Always to think of eternal drink; Oh, pity the Slave of the Bar!

BY A RIBBON GIRL WHO HAS BEEN TO FRANCE.—"Sure the town itself must be full of go-a-head young women that a decent female wouldn't be seen spaking to—else why is it called Belle-Fast?"

Explore with AITake your curiosity a little further.

Reading settings