The Massachusetts Spy, Or, Thomas's Boston Journal

POETS
CORNER.

For the Massachusetts SPY.

Mr. THOMAS,

I having remarked of late sundry emissions from certain quarters, on the impartial public must be judge as from whence they proceed, whether persons of abilities or not.

----But when as can be referred to, was obtained by a petition from some among us, to the legislature and is apparently an imposition on individuals:--I have from a principle of humanity taken up my pen, and in the following lines have portrayed the poor oppressed Auctioneer

-wherein is displayed a true state of their condition-difficulties we wish in the balance of the scale

-which (modestly speaking) deals out equity and justice.

The Candid Remonstrance of A. B.

THE trade, in all its branches, through the town
Is unrestrained-and has not felt the frown
Of those in power-while we that form the class
Of Auctioneer:-are in a different case!

When Phoebus has withdrawn his rays, we must
Reluctant quit our work, or be exposed
To an enormous fine-what freedom this!
What tongue of man, or angel can express
The hardship on us laid by this restraint!
This also done by those that represent
The Sons of liberty! alas! alas!
No tippling shop in town in such distress!
They vend their poison both by night and day,
And slay their thousands, none to say them nay!
Hence then these suffered thus their time t' employ
Without controul--. why should the court annoy
Us auctioneers... and brand it as a crime
If we should work more than one hour's time!
Cruel restriction this! for all must know,
As days grow shorter--evenings longer grow!
Hence as our sales are by their act forbid.
By candlelight-that time is lost indeed!
And multitudes around, by sympathy,
Do feel the loss, and with us once more free
To sell by night or day Amen, amen, say we.