Reliques of ancient English poetry: consisting of old heroic ballads ...

A N D B A L L A D S. 177
His cattle dyed within the field, 135
And nothing with him ftayd.
And in a voyage to Portugal
Two of his fonnes did dye ;
And to conclude, himfelfe was brought
To want and miferye : 14Q
He pawn'd and mortgaged all his land
Ere feven yeares came about.
And now at length this wicked acl;
Did by this meanes come out :
The fellowe, that did take in hand 145
Thefe children for to kill,
Was for a robbery judged to dye,
Such was Gods bleffed will ;
Who did confefs the very truth,
As here hath been difplay'd :
Their uncle having dyed in gaol,
Where he for debt was layd.
1 50
You that executors be made,
And overfeers eke
Of children that be fatherlefs, 1 55
And infants mild and meek ;
Take you example by this thing,
And yield to each his right,
Left God with fuch like miferye
Your wicked minds requite. 160
Vol. HI. N XIX. A