Open-cast coal-mining had been undertaken since the 17th century; in 1748, the first colliery opened in Bristol, on South Liberty Lane and near Collier's Brook. Over the next 100 years, mining became a major industry in Bedminster, with at its peak 18 mines operating across the south-western side of Bristol. Chatterton's poem reflects, in its use of accent, how the workforce for the mines was drawn from the agricultural communities of surrounding Somerset.
‘A Burlesque Cantata’
RECITATIVE Mounted aloft in Bristol's narrow streets, Where pride and luxury with meanness meets, A sturdy collier pressed the empty sack, A troop of thousands swarming on his back; When sudden to his rapt ecstatic view Rose the brown beauties of his red-haired Sue Music spontaneous echoed from his tongue, And thus the lover rather bawled than sung. AIR Zaunds! Pri'thee, pretty Zue, is it thee! Odzookers, I mun have a kiss! A sweetheart should always be free, I whope you wunt take it amiss. Thy peepers are blacker than caul, Thy carcase is sound as a sack, Thy visage is whiter than ball, Odzookers, I mun have a smack! RECITATIVE The swain descending, in his raptured arms Held fast the goddess, and despoiled her charms. Whilst, locked in Cupid's amorous embrace, His jetty skinn is met her red bronzed face, It seemed the sun when labouring in eclipse; And on her nose he stamped his sable lips, Pleased * * * * *
