But the smiles are all needed to sweeten

The struggle we see so incessantly waged

To eat, and avoid being eaten.

And men, with their genial competitive ways

Present no decided improvements,

For their personal gain they will sacrifice all

Who may stand in the way of their movements.

 

The Miner. 

Clink! Clink! Clink!

The song of the hammer and drill!

At the sound of the whistle so shrill and clear,

He must leave the wife and the children dear,

In his cabin upon the hill.

Clink! Clink! Clink!

But the arms that deliver the sturdy stroke,

Ere the shift is done, may be crushed or broke,

Or the life may succumb to the gas and smoke,

Which the underground caverns fill.

Clink! Clink! Clink!

 Prev. P 49/131 next