five in the morning
He had also , by this early hour , walked upwards of four miles -- for so far distant was the scene of his occupation from the place of his residence , Edinburgh . He must , therefore , have left home between three and four o'clock , and this was his daily round , without intermission , without variation , and without relaxation . A bottle of butter-milk and a penny loaf formed each day 's sustenance . His daily earnings , labouring from five in the morning till six at night , averaged about ninepence ! Hear ye this , ye who ride in emblazoned carriages ! Hear ye this , ye loungers on the well-stuffed couch ! -- and hear it , ye revellers at the festive board , who have never toiled for the luxuries ye enjoy !