THE NEW ARISTOCRACY.

Otago Witness, Issue 48, 17 April 1852, Page 4

THE NEW ARISTOCRACY.

" I do see, and I say it ad\isedly, a new and noble aristocracy appearing in shops and warehouses, at the desk and behind the counter — the aristocracy of mind, and ready to take ' the shine' out of the great aristocracy that preceded them." — Ilev. Dr. Cumming before the Young Men's Christian Association. A title once could only show The signs of noble birth, And men of rank were, years ago, The great ones of the earth. They deem'd it just the crowd should shrink Before the cup and gown ; They thought it wrong the poor should think And right to keep them down. These -were the days when books were things ' The People' could not touchyMade for use of lords and kings, ' And only meant for such. To work the loom, to till the soil, To tread the round of daily toil, "Was quite enough for them. Time was when just to read and write "Were thought a wondrous deal, For those who wake with morning light To earn their daily meal. The man, a more submissive slave The less his head-piece knew ; And so the mass from habit gave Their birthright to the few. Now, look abroad, the light of truth. Is spreading far and wide And that which fills our English youth Must shame our ancient pride. 'Tis mind alone can wield the sword, In spite of wealth and rank ; The artisan may face a lord, "With thousands in the bank "We scorn not those of high degree, For sot were wrong to do ; But poorer men as rich can be, And quite as noble too. The prince may act a gayer part ; But he who works for bread May have, perchance, a warmer heart, And perhaps a clearer head. Then grieve not for " the good old times ;" Behold a brighter day ! The causes of our fathers' crimes Are wearing fast away. Before the Pen, the Press, and Bail, Must old opinions fall ; The mighty project cannot fail — Then aid it one and all.