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The father left his little son,

As plainly did appear,

When he to perfect age should come,

Three hundred pounds a year;

And to his little daughter Jane

Five hundred pounds in gold,

To be paid down on 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.

"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.

"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.