Remember John Adkins, his death and reform,

Lest justice o’ertakes you and sorrow comes on.

A whole life of sorrow can never atone,

For that cruel murder that my hands have done;

I am justly condemned, it’s right that I should die,

Therefore, let all drunkards take warning hereby.

Farewell, my dear children, wherever you be;

Though quite young and tender and dear unto me;

I leave you exposed in nature’s wide field,

In which God is able poor orphans to shield.