'Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and John,
Bless the bed that I lie on,'
are part of a child's prayer still in general use through the northern counties.
84. *(2)
Rydal Mount, 1834. Our cats having been banished the house, it was soon frequented by Red-breasts. Two or three of them, when the window was open, would come in, particularly when Mary was breakfasting alone, and hop about the table picking up the crumbs. My Sister being then confined to her room by sickness, as, dear creature, she still is, had one that, without being caged, took up its abode with her, and at night used to perch upon a nail from which a picture had hung. It used to sing and fan her face with its wings in a manner that was very touching. [In pencil—- But who was the pale-faced child?]
85. *Her Eyes are wild. [XXXVIII.]
Alfoxden, 1798. The subject was reported to me by a lady of Bristol, who had seen the poor creature.