Ingenious engines prov'd mechanic powers,
And happy paſ'id the months, weeks, days and hours ;
'The Toy Shop of the World,' then reard its crest,
Whilst hope and joy, alternate, fill'd each breast.
Inventions curious, various kinds of Toys,[1]
Then occupied the time of men and boys,
And blooming girls, at work, were often seen,
That twice their ages join'd, was scarce fifteen,
Sent by their parents out, their bread to seek,[2]
Who'd earn, perhaps, some shillings in a week;
And many worpen, too, you then might see,
With children on the lap, or round the knee,
An honest livelihood intent to gain,
And their sweet infant race, help to maintain.
Charm'd with the sight, the Gods the whole reviews,
And seem'd, with admiration, quite subdu'd.
To see each warlike weapon They resort,[3]
And view'd the polish d blade, of various sort,
The Scimeter, the Sword, the Faulchion bright,
Form'd for the dreadful horrors of the fight;
Sharp pointed Poionards, and the Sabre keen,
Spikes, Spears and 'Lances, were in thousands seen.
- ↑ For Toy Makers see plate M, Magnificent Directory.
- ↑ Children were often sent out when five years of age to various shops, and it was a melancholy circumstance to reflect, that the means for their education were thus neglected; but by the salutary establishment of the Sunday Schools, some thousands now have an opportunity of learning Both to read and write; while every attention is paid to their morals.
- ↑ For a list of eminent Sword Cutlers, &c. see plate K, in Magnificent Directory.
