Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

Sengenhydd, 1913
[I haven't found a copy with attribution yet -- if anyone knows the author, please say so in a comment]

The top blew off at Sengenhydd,
With a sullen awful sound.
That was the final requiem
For nigh five hundred underground.

Of course there was an outcry
At so many lives cut short
And the owners faced stern justice
Before the local court.

But really it would never do
To give too great offence.
They found no case to answer
Of wilful negligence.

They were in direct contravention
of the Mines and Quarries Act,
But it was considered impolite
To dwell upon the fact.

Still for such a fatal mischance
A culprit must be found
And so they fined the manager
Five and twenty pounds.

It was a source of comfort
To mother, child or wife,
To find their menfolk valued
At a shilling for each life.

[found via a Daily Kos post by Devilstower]