The Children in the Wood

And in a voyage to Portugal

Two of his sons did die;

And to conclude, himself was brought

To want and misery:

He pawned and mortgaged all his land

Ere seven years came about.

And now at last 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 judged to die,

Such was God's blessèd will:

Who did confess the very truth,

As here hath been displayed:

The uncle having died in jail,

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 suchlike misery

Your wicked minds requite.