ENGLAND AND WALES. 305 



certainly return for a future generation. We purchased an 

 old top-joint of him; and the little incident gave rise to 

 the following song, which embodies much of what he said, 

 and faithfully expresses the tenor of his thoughts. 



When this old rod was new 



(My grandsire cut the bough, 

 And formed its tapering length ; 



Methinks, I see him now!) 

 Old England's noble peasantry 



Were loyal, firm, and true; 

 And blythe were English hearts, 



When this old rod was new! 



n. 



When this old rod was new, 



Our fathers liv'd like men; 

 They wrought their toil with joy, 



O'er all their native plain: 

 And merrily foamed the ale, 



Which each goodwife could brew, 

 For all untaxed it ran, 



When this old rod was new! 



When this old rod was new, 



Each farm was snug and small ; 

 Each " rood maintained its man," 



And Hope shone out for all ! 

 Now, paupers crowd the soil, 



Since farms grew large and few; 

 They dared not use us so, 



When this old rod was new! 



When this old rod was new, 

 No treadmills stained the land ; 



No giant jails were built, 



No Union workhouse planned; 



X 



