Classic Poem

Good people give attention and listen unto me,
While I relate a story of our sad destiny;
Out of one pound that we do get, a fourth they want to take,
And at our present prices, we scarce get bread to eat.

For now our masters have agreed our trade to overthrow,
Our wives and children as you see are filled with grief and woe;
But we will never yield to them nor their cruel laws,
But on the truth we will rely and still maintain our cause.

Were you to go round the town, their country seats to see,
You would then be convinced what they had gained by we;
To see their livery servants, their carriages also,
You would then be quite satisfied whether we are right or no.

The manufacturers of this town, their fortunes they have made,
And in the space of twenty years all by the carpet trade;
To see how they do ride about their pleasures for to take,
Leaving their poor journeymen with scarce a meal to eat.

Now to conclude and make an end, the truth I'll tell to you,
Out of the town of Kidderminster the carpet trade will go;
For if they so press their journeymen, a living we can't get,
So it's better for to leave the town than go to gaol for debt.