his that he might apply to
the parish for relief; and do nothing for the major portion of the year.
But even a few months' work would not suit him, and subsequently he
gained his sustenance by carrying on his head a large basket of
crockery, and disposing of his wares among the cottagers. At last he
took out a pedlar's license--perhaps one of the most dangerous permits
ever allowed by a government, and which has been the cause of much of
the ill-will and discontent fomented among the lower classes. Latterly,
the cheapness of printing and easiness of circulation have rendered the
profession of less consequence: twenty years ago the village ale-houses
were not provided with newspapers; it was an expense never thought of;
the men went to drink their beer and talk over the news of the vicinity,
and if there was a disturbance in any other portion of the United
Kingdom, the fact was only gained by rumour, and that vaguely and long
after it had taken place. But when the pedlar Byres made his
appearance, which he at last did, weekly or oftener, as it might happen,
there was a great change; he was the party who supplied information,
and, in consequence, he was always welcome, and looked upon as an
oracle; the best seat near the fire was reserved for him, and having
deposited his pack upon the table or in a corner, he would then produce
the _Propeller_, or some other publication full of treason and
blasphemy, and read it aloud for the benefit of the labourers assembled.
A few months were more than sufficient to produce the most serious
effects: men who had worked cheerfully through the day, and retired to
bed satisfied with their lot, and thankful that work was to be obtained,
now remained at the public-house, canvassing the conduct of government,
and, leaving their resort, satisfied in their own minds that they were
ill-used, harshly treated, and in bitter bondage. If they met their
superiors, those very parties to whom they were indebted for employment,
there was no respect shown to them as formerly or, if so, it was sullen
and forced acknowledgement. The church was gradually deserted--the
appearance of the pastor was no longer a signal for every hat to be
lifted from the head; on the contrary, boys of sixteen or seventeen
years of age would lean against the church, or the walls of the
churchyard, with their hands in both pockets, and a sort of leer upon
their faces, as though they defied the pastor on his appearance--and
t