And he that was of milder mood,
Did slay the other there,
Within an unfrequented wood;
The babes did quake for fear!
He took the children by the hand,
While they for bread complain:
“Stay here,” said he, “I'll bring ye bread,
When I do come again.”
These pretty babes, with hand in hand,
Went wandering up and down;
But never more they saw the man,
Approaching from the town:
Thus wander'd these two pretty dears,
Till death did end their grief;
In one another's arms they died,
Poor babes, past all relief:
No burial these innocents
Of any man receives,
But robin red-breast lovingly
Did cover them with leaves.
The fellow that did take in hand
These children for to kill,
Was for a robbery judged to die,
As was God's blessed will:
And did confess the very truth,
The which is here express'd;
Their uncle died while he for debt
Did long in prison rest.