Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 3 1885.djvu/171

Rh of the estate, i. e. not to suffer even the little children, who have scarcely more strength than to enable them to go alone, to remain at home, but all to be taken to work in the fields. Some of my readers may perhaps be inclined to think, to hope at least, that I exaggerate. But let people visit them as I have done. As that probably may not be convenient, let them hear the language of these poor human creatures in the songs of their own composing, the representations which they make of it, their feelings, which they are forced at the time to confine within their heart—and then, if they affirm the contrary, I will willingly submit to the reproach of not having adhered to the truth.

A great broad piece of meadow is set them as a task, they must divide it in breadth, and thus are kept mowing at a distance from each other. Accordingly the comforts of society and converse are denied them at this season; and to this it is that the last line alludes