Page:The English Peasant.djvu/118

 sisters at the Wake, as it is frequently called. Who has read Bloomfield's simple ballad of "Richard and Kate, or Fair Day," and not been touched as the poet recalled scenes which he doubtless witnessed, and which drew out the best feelings of his heart? Richard, an aged Suffolk labourer, sets off with Kate, his good old wife, to the Fair:—

After. enjoying themselves watching the various scenes of amusement, a happy family party, in which

his faithful Kate warns her partner that it is time to depart.

Then they wander into the fields, the little ones toppling on the green and bowling their fairings down the hill.

"Richard with pride beheld the scene, &emsp;&emsp;Nor could he for his life sit still. (Then raising high his mug and voice) &emsp;&emsp;'An old man's weakness don't despise! I love you well, my girls and boys; &emsp;&emsp;God bless you all;'—so said his eyes—

For, as he spoke, a big round drop &emsp;&emsp;Fell bounding on his ample sleeve; A witness which he could not stop, &emsp;&emsp;A witness which all hearts believe."