The poetical works of John Nicholson ... Carefully edited from the original editions, with additional notes and a sketch of his life and writings. By W. G. Hird |
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 | The poetical works of John Nicholson |  |
109
Unhelped, unheeded, lay the poacher's wife!
He spent his days in revelry and mirth;
While she, too weak to give her infant birth,
O'ercome with grief, and of her suff'ring tired,
Neglected, starved, and pitiless, expired!
No husband there, her fading eyes to close,—
Confess his guilt, though author of her woes.
When he was told the period of her pain,
He smiled, and had the tankard filled again!
Untouched with sorrow, anguish, or remorse,
One tear he never dropped upon her corse.
He left his home the two succeeding nights,
To make expenses for the fun'ral rites.
His starving children o'er their mother mourned,—
A neighbouring peasant o'er the infant yearned,
In pity took and nursed it as her own,—
And sure such deeds are worthy of renown.
Loosed from his wife, with whom he jarring lived,
His children bread through charity received.
One night he spent where lies famed Robin Hood,
The next where Harewood's ancient castle stood;
The beauteous vale of Wharf he wandered o'er,—
Expecting wealth, but still was always poor.
What he in dangers got at taverns went,
Or in rich treats was on his comrades spent.
Read this, ye rich,—who stolen game receive,
And think how wretchedly the poachers live:
110
Caught in disgrace,—and purchas'd too with shame!
| The poetical works of John Nicholson | |