THE BABES Y THE WOOD.


And to conclude, himself was brought
 To want and misery:
He pawn'd and mortgaged all his land
 Ere seven years came about,
And now at length this wicked act
 Did by this means come out:
The fellow, that did take in hand
 These children for to kill,
Was for a robbery judg'd to die,
 Such was God's blessed will.
Who did confess the very truth,
 As here hath been displayed,
Their uncle having died in gaol,
 Where he for debt was laid.
You that executors be made,
 And overseers eke
Of children that be fatherless,
 And infants mild and meek;
Take you example by this thing
 And yield to each his right,
Lest God with such like misery
 Your wicked minds requite.