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 And singing with a merry mood,

that they were going to ride.

They spoke and prattled pleasantly,

as they rode on the way,

To them that should their butchers be,

and work their lives decay.

The speeches these sweet babes did make;

caus'd their murderers hearts relent,

That they had ta'en this deed in hand,

full sore they did repent.

But one of them was hard of heart,

aud vow'd to do his charge,

Because the wretch that hired them

had paid them very large.

So then into the forest thick,

these two men sell at strife,

With one another they did fight

about the childrens life.

And he that was of mildest mood,

did kill the other there,

Within the unfrequented wood,

where babes did quack for fear.

He took the children by the hand,

and led them by the way.

Hold your tongue my children dear,

be sure you do not cry.

Two miles he led them forth, till they

for bread did sore complain.