ko) Geen

The Babes in the Wood.

WO poor little children are rambling alone
Through the depths of the forest, and sadly they moan ;

Their dresses are torn by the bramble and brier,
Their feet bruised by stones and bespattered with mire:
The sun fast is setting, and dark clouds arise,
And the low distant thunder disturbs the dull skies.
They have wandered since morn and now scarcely can stand,
Yet cling to each other with hand clasped in hand.
Oh! who are these infants, and how came they here,
Away from all dwellings, no guardian form near?
Oh! where are their parents? alas! they have died,
And an uncle who promised for them to provide
Has seized on their property, and still would crave,
As a miser, th’ expense of their living to save.
He has hired two ruffians the babes to destroy
(Those innocent twins, a fair girl and brave boy).
The morn had been fine, and how pleasant their ride!
For the bandits well mounted had rode side by side,
Till Rosa’s sweet prattle touched Wilfrid’s hard heart,
And he cried unto Roland, ‘I can’t play my part.’
Then Roland grew fierce and said, ‘Child, hold your clatter !
Ha! you've turned chicken-hearted ! I see what’s the matter.’
They quarrelled, and words of deep anger arose,
Till at length they dismounted and dealt deadly blows,
And fought, till the one who would take the babes’ part,
With a plunge drove his blade through the tall ruffian’s heart.
Then he bade the poor children ‘Go, gather some flowers,
For my comrade’s asleep and must rest for some hours.’
It was thus through the depths of the wood they had sped,
And the man in his terror had far away fled.
With pleasure at first through the forest they strayed,
Darting in here and there and at hiding-seek played.