University of Virginia Library

Such was the case, as tells the tale,
In Hernford's distant shady vale.
Joe Jenkins there free from alarm,
Rented a small but fruitful Farm:

110

Where he work'd hard, but liv'd content,
And never fail'd to pay his rent.
He had a wife and children three,
Maintain'd by cheerful Industry;
And by the names they both were known
Of honest Joe and smiling Joan.
But she was good as she was fair,
And skill'd in ev'ry household care;
Nor were three finer bantlings seen,
'Mong those who play'd upon the Green.