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The Hymn of the Wiltshire Labourers – 1846 – A Poem
![]() This poem was first published in the Daily News in 1846, and included in the later compilations of Dickens verse. It was inspired by Lucy Simpkins, of Bremhill (or Bremble), a parish in Wiltshire, She had addressed a night meeting of the wives of agricultural labourers in that county, in support of a petition for Free Trade, and her vigorous speech on that occasion inspired Dickens to write The Hymn of the Wiltshire Labourers. |
THE STORY: O God! who by Thy prophet’s hand Didst smite the rocky brake, Whence water came, at Thy command, Thy people’s thirst to slake; Strike, now, upon this granite wall, Stern, obdurate, and high; And let some drops of pity fall For us who starve and die! The God who took a little child And set him in the midst, And promised him His mercy mild, As, by Thy Son, Thou didst: Look down upon our children dear, So gaunt, so cold, so spare, And let their images appear Where lords and gentry are! O God! teach them to feel how we, When our poor infants droop, Are weakened in our trust in Thee, And how our spirits stoop; For, in Thy rest, so bright and fair, All tears and sorrows sleep: And their young looks, so full of care, Would make Thine angels weep! | The God who with His finger drew The judgment coming on, Write, for these men, what must ensue, Ere many years be gone! O God! whose bow is in the sky, Let them not brave and dare, Until they look (too late) on high, And see an Arrow there! O God, remind them! In the bread They break upon the knee, These sacred words may yet be read, “In memory of Me!” O God! remind them of His sweet Compassion for the poor, And how He gave them Bread to eat, And went from door to door! Charles Dickens |
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