What a lasting, what an unspeakable satisfaction would it be to know that
the Ballads, the Plowman Stories, and the "Broken Crutch" of your father
would eventually contribute to lighten your steps to manhood, and make
your own crutch, through life, rather a memorial of affection than an
object of sorrow.
With a parent's feelings, and a parent's cares and hopes,
I am, Charles, yours,
R. B.
CONTENTS
Abner and the Widow Jones, a Familiar Ballad
To My Old Oak Table
The Horkey, a Provincial Ballad
The Broken Crutch, a Tale
Shooter's Hill
A Visit to Ranelagh
Love of the Country
The Woodland Hallo
Barnham Water
Mary's Evening Sigh
Good Tidings; or, News from the Farm
ABNER AND THE WIDOW JONES,
A Familiar Ballad.
Well! I'm determin'd; that's enough:--
Gee, Bayard! move your poor old bones,
I'll take to-morrow, smooth or rough,
To go and court the Widow Jones.
Our master talks of stable-room,
And younger horses on his grounds;
'Tis easy to foresee thy doom,
Bayard, thou'lt go to feed the hounds.
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