A Chartist response to Charles Dickens Christmas Carol, Northern Star, 30th December 1843
Charles Dickens Christmas Carol was published on 19th December 1843. Eleven days the Chartist Northern Star had this response which was headed a Christmas Carol
According to annual and praise-worthy custom the unfortunate inmates both of the workhouse* and prison throughout the metropolis, will, upon Christmas-day be regaled with the usual good fare of the season. The proportions of the allowances will vary slightly in different institutions, but in all & good dinner -will be provided.”— Morning Chronicle
Full of drink and-fall of meat, On ourr Saviour’s natal day,
Charity’s perennial treat; Thus I heard a pauper say :
— ” Ought not I to dance and sing
Thus supplled with famous cheer ?
Helgho !
I hardly know— Christmas comes but once a year.’ ‘ .’
After labours long turmoil, Sorry fare and frequent fast,
Two and fifty weeks of toil,
Pudding-time is come at last! But are raisin*#s high or low.
Flour and suet cheap or dear ?
Heighho
I hardly know— Christmas comes but once a year . ‘
Fed upon the coarsest fare Three hundred days and sixty-days
But for one on viands rare,
Just as if I wasn’t poor .
‘ Ought not I to bless my stars,
Warden, clerk , and overseer ?
Heighho’ I hardly know—
Christmas comes but once a year.
” Treated like a -welcome guest,
One of nature’s social chain,
Sealed, tended on, and pressed—
But when shall I be pressed again
Twice to pudding, thrice to beef,
A dozen times to ale and beer?
Heigho
I hardly know— Christmas comes but once a year- “
Come to-morrow how it will; Diet scant and usage rough,
Hunger once has had its fill,
Thirst for once has had enough
But shall I ever dine again ?
Or see another feast appear ?
Heigho !
I only know— Christmas comes but once a year
Punch, reprinted in the Northern Star 30th December 1843
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