If my wife and children you could see,

I'm sure you'd help me, good Christians all;

Believe my wretched tale, and on me

In halfpence let your compassion fall.

(Aside.) If my wife and children you wish to meet

As soon as she's sober, you'll mayhap

Find her in the adjoining street,

With the well-drugg'd infants on her lap.

A Weaver I've always been by trade,

From the time when I was eight years old;