The two Christmas days (1865)
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Kind children of merry England,
Before your pleasure and play,
Remember the workhouse dwellers,
And make them a happy day.Turn out your toys and treasures,
Consider what you can spare,
The poor little workhouse children
Have no pretty playthings there.Ah! there's an old doll and waggon,
A whistle, a top, and ball;
Send some to the workhouse children,
They'll thank you for any, for all.And look up some patchwork pieces,
Scraps, pictures, send every one;
Remember the workhouse children-
The poor workhouse children have none.And have you no apples and raisins,
Nuts, toffy, or something to spare?
Oh! hasten with these to the workhouse,
There's many a little mouth there.And when you have witnessed their pleasure,
Then shut to your drawing-room door,
Enjoy your own bountiful measure,
With pleasure untasted before.The dear Lord, who came down at Christmas,
Is waiting to sweeten your share,
When the poor, and the widow and orphan,
Have tasted your pity and care.Location: A Christmas Petition to Happy and Rich (1865) The Band of Hope Review 1861 to 1867 and Child's Paper Vol. 2 1853 p.240. Parker Collection BF087.1/1865
