Odger we know is a working man, If he’s not rich, he’s noble-minded, He will understand how the working man Has been crushed down and grinded. Then send him into Parliament, To put a stop to their capers, And tell them we want a good beef steak, Instead of herrings and taters. Keep out the printing gentleman, Banish the tyrant sodger, Strive with all your might to do what’s right, And plump my lads for Odger. Printed for the Vendors. [Illustration] A COLLECTION OF “BALLADS ON A SUBJECT.” DIVISION III. A COLLECTION OF BALLADS ON A SUBJECT. “What hast here, ballads? I love a ballad in print; for then we are sure they are true.”--_Shakspeare._ “STREET BALLADS ON A SUBJECT.”--There is a class of ballads which may with perfect propriety be called _street_ ballads, as they are written by street authors for street singing and street sale. These effusions, however, are known in the trade by a title appropriate enough,--“BALLADS ON A SUBJECT.” The most successful workers of this branch of the profession are the men described as patterers and chaunters. The “Ballads on a Subject” are always on a political, criminal, or exciting public event, or one that has interested the public, and the celerity with which one of them is written, and then sung in the streets, is in the spirit of “these railroad times.” After any great event “a ballad on a subject” is often written, printed, and sung “in honour,” it was announced “of Lord John Russell’s resignation.” Of course there is no time for either correction of the rhymes or of the press; but this is regarded as of little consequence,--while an early “start” with a new topic is of great consequence, I am assured; “Yes, indeed, both for the sake of meals and rents.” If, however, the songs were ever so carefully revised, their sale would not be greater.