LITTLE JOHNNY'S EXCUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1200, 27 November 1873, Page 3

LITTLE JOHNNY'S EXCUSE.

I, Johnny, have spoken, the Princo of the drapers, And published my sentiments in the three papers. To let the world know that while others are dozing And prating so much about six o'clock closing. I will close when I choose, be it ten or eleven, And others may shut up at nix or at seven. For why should I study the rights of humanity, Which would look vory much like an act of insanity— The taxlim may say I am selfish and skittish, But John ia a brick, and his spirit is British, To the six o'clock movement I never consented ; . . I was not so green and so sadly demented ; I might hive said 'yes,' but did not sign a paper, I'm too shrewd a man ; too grasping a draper ; ■ I uwe nu long bill 3, and I pay no assistants, And Johnny's the boy for a sturdy resistance. Ive made l«ts of money, and managed a steamer, And I'm not what you call a susceptible dreamer ; I'll close when I choose, though I may be in error, Still 'tis something to be of all drapers the terror ; re sway all the fine drapers shops in the city,' And keep them all open 'tis worth a sweat ditty. I'm not to lured by your full-flavoured speeches, Nor led by the nose by impertinent leeches; :■ ■•<; ; .---■■': \ Through the long, long hour system, I've grown very ; ir.iwealtliyytom si-.« liOionwtfl off. 1 Ay.v itik :-.: And have no .renewals—my boys, this looks healthy. I never will boW toHhe Zeeeftea and'drapers^ ' " But speak to: the world. through c the i three Auckland

papers. -•-»•, . • -. AVhat care I though thousands of leeches I punish ■ As L —y, my, neighbour, says,. "Monish, John; | monish." :':: ■ .-■:-;■..■. i Their conduct has caused me some little vexation ; Their eggs, top, have, yellowed my grim reputation. What care I for the taunts and abuse: of the many ? •I'll open till ten, though I take but a penny. ' r; "What care I tor bosh about men being brothers ? What care I about the Convenience of'others? I'm a smart little boss, and my soul is in labour,. I'm not such, a fool as to think on my neighbour ; And'blather 'five texts which the testament teaches For the sake of the underlings— blood-sucking leeches. Besides, I can manage to sell my_goods cheaper Than those who close early, and may be drink .deeper. I Kcout all philanthropy, logic, and reason. While I can.take money for goods of the season.. I dare not though-men may be turned into mummies While I can still send out my brown paper dummies. So'long as old ladies will favour late shopping, Anjd hollow professions need painting and propping ; So long will I, Johnny, so, cannie and cleyer, r f.. a[ j j./ »j In spite' Of tlie Dovil' keep open for ereir.'