3
To be paid on Marriage day,
no way to be controul'd,
And if my children chance to die,
before to age they come,
The uncle should possess the wealth,
and so the Will did run,
Now brother, said the dying man,
look to my children dear.
Be kind unto my boy and girl,
no other friend is near.
To God and you I recommend
my children night and day.
For little space be sure we have
within this world to stay.
You must be father and mother both,
and uncle all in one;
God knows what will become of them,
when I am dead and gone.
Out then bespoke the mother dear,
my brother kind, quoth she
You are the mad must bring my babes
to wealth or misery.
If you do keep them carefully,
then God will you reward.
If othrewise you strive to do.
God will your deeds regard.
With lips as cold as any stone,
she kissed these children small,
