Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

THE ATTEMPT 61
An’ by tbis deed it shall be held,
When passes Scottish king,
The laird of Urr gude butter brose
In lordly dish shall bring.”
Megaig Bheg.
The king has heard her musing speech,
An’ ta’en her at her word;
That race has made her Urr’s ladie,
An’ Mark its gallant lord.
©lir antr
“ Well, I feel more thankful than ever that I was not born an American,” Aunt
Phillis spoke from her favourite seat, an old oaken chair, polished and darkened
by years (but never by contact with human shoulders), which had seemed to me
from infancy part of herself, and worthy of equal veneration. Her figure was even
more erect than usual, and her mild placid features now glowed with strong in¬
dignant feeling. “ Has there been more bloodshed ? ” I asked. “ I was not thinking
of that,” she replied; “I was reading a short account of the sewing-machine, and I
can have no sympathy with a people who have invented such a source of misery.”
Seeing my look of surprise, she continued, “ The brave men who are cut down in battle
get their full share of sympathy and admiration. Whether their cause be worth dying
for, seems a matter of no consideration now a-days. There is always something of
romance about a soldier’s death, but the struggle, the toil, the grave of the poor
oppressed needlewoman are silent and secret; yet she is not less surely than the soldier
slain by the selfishness of society. There were always too many of those unknown
sufferers, but soon they will be counted by thousands. Those tradespeople who can
afford to purchase this cruel machine, will grow rich on the spoils of those poor females
whose labour is their life.” “ Perhaps we may want more sewing done,” I suggested,
“ by the time the machines get common, so that the rich will be obliged to employ the
poor and pay them as they deserve. Besides, you know, new ways are being opened
up for the employment of women.” “ I have no faith in new ways,” replied my aunt;
“ my mother always taught me to be on my guard against them. She spun all her
own linen, while her neighbours were buying their flimsy cotton, for she said the un¬
natural system of factory labour only encouraged ladies in idleness, while weakening
the bodies and minds of those engaged in them. Poor child, you never saw a spinning