And Willy, my eldest born, is gone you say, little Ann?

Ruddy and white and strong on his legs, he looks like a man.

“Here’s a leg for a babe of a week!” says doctor; and he would be bound

There was not his like that year in twenty parishes round.

Strong of his hands, and strong on his legs, but still of his tongue!

I ought to have gone before him; I wonder he went so young.

I cannot cry for him, Annie; I have not long to stay;

Perhaps I shall see him the sooner, for he lived far away.

Why do you look at me, Annie? you think I am hard and cold;

But all my children have gone before me, I am so old: