IV.
And to his little daughter Jane,
Five hundred pounds in gold,
To be paid down on her marriage-day,
Which might not be controlled;
But if the children chanced to die,
Ere they to age should come,
Their uncle should possess their wealth;
For so the will did run.
V.
"Now, brother," said the dying man,
"Look to my children dear;
Be good unto my boy and girl,
No friends else have they here:
To God and you I recommend
My children dear this day;
But little while be sure we have
Within this world to stay.
VI.
"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."
With that bespake their mother dear:
"O brother kind," quoth she,
"You are the man must bring our babes
To wealth or misery.
VII.
And if you keep them carefully,
Then God will you reward;
But if you otherwise should deal,
God will your deeds regard."
With lips as cold as any stone,
They kissed their children small:
God bless you both, my children dear;"
With that their tears did fall.
