SOURCE: Lamb, Charles. “The Praise of Chimney-Sweepers.” In The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb, edited by E. V. Lucas, Volume II, pp. 108-14. London: Methuen & Co., 1903.

In the following essay, originally published in 1822, Lamb comments on the young children employed in London as chimney sweeps.

I Like to meet a sweep—understand me—not a grown sweeper—old chimney-sweepers are by no means attractive—but one of those tender novices, blooming through their first nigritude, the maternal washings not quite effaced from the cheek—such as come forth with the dawn, or somewhat earlier, with their little professional notes sounding like the peep peep of a young sparrow; or liker to the matin lark should I pronounce them, in their aerial ascents not seldom anticipating the sun-rise?

I have a kindly yearning towards these dim specks—poor blots—innocent blacknesses—

I reverence these young Africans of our...