Across the ages...

My ancestor John Freeth (1731-1808) is a man very much after my own heart. He was a humble innkeeper, a radical, a leading figure of the Birmingham Enlightenment. If he was anything like his descendants, then he was probably a bit of a cunt too. But I admire what he had to say about the terrible Enclosures Acts of the Industrial Revolution:

THE COTTAGER'S COMPLAINT, ON .. ENCLOSING SUTTON-COLDFIELD

HOW sweetly did the moments glide,
How happy were the days!
When no sad fear my breast annoyed,
Or e'er disturbed my ease;
Hard fate! that I should be compelled
My fond abode to lose,
Where threescore years in peace I've dwelled,
And wish my life to close.

Chorus

Oh the time! the happy, happy time,
Which in my cot I've spent;
I wish the church-yard was his doom,
Who murders my content.

My ewes are few, my stock is small,
Yet from my little store
I find enough for nature's call,
Nor would I ask for more!
That word, ENCLOSURE! to my heart
Such evil doth bespeak,
I fear I with my all must part,
And fresh employment seek.
Chorus—Oh the time, &c.

What little of the spacious plain
Should power to me consign,
For want of means, I can't obtain,
Would not long time be mine:
The stout may combat fortune's frowns,
Nor dread the rich and great;
The young may fly to market-towns,
But where can I retreat?
Chorus—Oh the time, &c.

What kind of feelings must that man
Within his mind possess,
Who, from an avaricious plan,
His neighbours would distress?
Then soon, in pity to my case,
To Reason's ear incline;
For on his heart it stamps disgrace,
Who formed the base design.

Chorus

Oh the time! the happy, happy time,
Which in my cot I've spent;
I wish the church-yard was his doom,
Who murders my content.