The other won't agree thereto, So here they fall to strife; With one another they did fight, About the childrens life: 100 And he that was of mildest mood, Did slaye the other there, Within an unfrequented wood; The babes did quake for feare! He took the children by the hand, 105 Teares standing in their eye, And bad them straitwaye follow him, And look they did not crye: And two long miles he ledd them on, While they for food complaine: 110 "Staye here," quoth he, "I'll bring you bread, When I come back againe." These pretty babes, with hand in hand, Went wandering up and downe; But never more could see the man 115 Approaching from the towne: Their prettye lippes with blackberries, Were all besmear'd and dyed, And when they sawe the darksome night, They sat them downe and cryed. 120 Thus wandered these poor innocents, Till deathe did end their grief, In one anothers armes they died, As wanting due relief: No burial this pretty pair[L125] 125 Of any man receives, Till Robin-red-breast piously Did cover them with leaves. And now the heavy wrathe of God Upon their uncle fell; 130 Yea, fearfull fiends did haunt his house, His conscience felt an hell; His barnes were fir'd, his goodes consum'd, His landes were barren made, His cattle dyed within the field, 135 And nothing with him stayd. And in the voyage of Portugal[L137] Two of his sonnes did dye; And to conclude, himselfe was brought To want and miserye: 140 He pawn'd and mortgaged all his land Ere seven years came about, And now at length this wicked act Did by this meanes come out: The fellowe, that did take in hand 145 These children for to kill, Was for a robbery judg'd to dye, Such was God's blessed will: Who did confess the very truth, As here hath been display'd: 150 Their uncle having dyed in gaol, Where he for debt was layd. You that executors be made, And overseers eke Of children that be fatherless, 155 And infants mild and meek; Take you example by this thing, And yield to each his right, Lest God with such like miserye Your wicked minds requite. 125, these ... babes, PP. 137. "A. D. 1588. Dr. Percy, not knowing that the text alludes to a particular event, has altered it to _a_ voyage _to_ Portugal." RITSON. HUGH OF LINCOLN.