May Day (1960)

From the May 1960 issue of the Socialist Standard

The engraving (by William Blake after the painting by Collings) reproduced on the cover graphically represents May Day in 18th Century London. Prominent in the days celebrations were the little chimney sweeps (in the engraving they are shown holding dust pans—the symbol of their trade), who were annually released on May 1st from the bondage and brutality of their dangerous job.

When my mother died I was very young.

And my father sold me while yet my tongue 

Could scarcely cry “ 'weep! ’weep! 'weep' 'weep' "

So your chimneys I sweep, and in soot I sleep.

Blake