“ My children night and day;
A little while we have, 'tis sure,
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. ”

“ My brother kind, quoth she,
Thou art the man must bring my babes
To wealth or misery.
If you do keep it carefully,
Then God will you reward,
If otherwise you seem to deal,
God will your deeds regard. ”

“ Not passing three years old;
The other a girl more young than he,
And made in beauty's mould.
The father left his little son,
As plainly doth appear,
When he should come to be of age,
Three hundred pounds a year. ”