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Shrubland Hall. Deep seated in a flowery vale, Beside a woody dell, Stood Shrubland Hall, where, says the tale, A worthy pair did dwell. |
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The Children with their Parents Two beauteous babes this happy pair, To crown their loves had got: The proudest monarch on his throne, Might envy them their lot. |
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The Uncle Taking the Children. But death, in midst of all their joys, Did seize this loving pair, Who, dying, left their girl and boy, Unto an Uncle's care. |
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The Uncle Bribing the Ruffians But to their fortunes he aspired, And to secure his prey, How two unfeeling Ruffians hired To take their lives away. |
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The Ruffians with the Children. These wretches, cruel, fierce and bold, Conveyed them to a wood, There, for the sake of filthy gold, To shed their infant blood. |
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The Ruffians Fighting. But one his purpose did repent, Before the deed was done, And slew the other Ruffian there, Then left the babes alone. |
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The Children in the Wood. Their little hearts with terror sank, With hunger, too, they cried, At length upon a flowery bank They laid them down, and died. |
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The Children's Death. The Redbreasts, in their clustering bowers, Sung mournful on each spray, And there with leaves and fragrant flowers, O'erspread them as they lay. |