1930 The Saloon in the Home

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