8 / 100
DRUNK.ARD.-What's that'?
CHARLEs.-Sign the pledge to abstain from all strong drink,
and use your hard earned money to make your home comfort–
able, and your wife and children happy.
DRUNKARD.-Have you two shavers signed the pledge'?
BOTH
(at once).-Yes.
DRUNKARD.-What did you sign pledge for'?
JOHN.-Because we could do better without strong drink than
with it.
CHARLEs.-To prevent us becoming drunkards.
JOHN.-Because we want to reclaim those who have fallen.
DRUNKARD.-Well, they are good reasons, and I
mus~
say you
have done right, I wish I had done so when I was a boy, I
should have been well off and happy now.
CHARLEs.-Oh, do sign now. "It is never too late to mend." I
know many who were once as low as you, who have signed
the pledge; and now, if they are not rich, they have homes
as happy as any in the land.
DRUNKARD.-Ah, it is all very fine talking, but it is too late
now; why, I couldn't pass a gin shop, if I had a penny in
my pocket. I've tried many times to give up, and made good
resolutions, but the sight
of
drink rouses my appetite, and I
have no power to resist.
JOHN.-Oh, do try, it is your only hope, and pray to God to
help you to keep it; and whenever you feel the strong desire
for drink, go to the nearest pump, and drown it out with
water; we've heard old topers say at our meetings that they
have cured themselves by, so doing.
DRUNKARD.-Have you a pledge card'?
JOHN.-Oh, yes, I always carry a few, and here's a pen and
some ink.
DRUNKARD
(sz'gns).-Well,
if
Id~
keep the pledge I shall bless
you two boys as long as I live, and my poor wife and children
[ 8
J