THE BABES IN THE WOOD.


The one a fine and pretty boy,
 Not passing three years old;
The other a girl, more young than he,
 And fram'd in beauty's mould.

The father left his little son,
 As plainly doth appear,
When he to perfect age should come,
 Three hundred pounds a year.

And to his little daughter Jane,
 Five hundred pounds in gold,
To be paid down on marriage-day,
 Which might not be controlled.

 But if the children chance to die,
 Ere they to age should come,
Their uncle should possess their wealth;
 For so the will did run.

 Now, brother, said the dying man,
 Look to my children dear,
 Be good unto my boy and girl,
 No friends else have they here: