II.

His wife scarce two months in the grave was laid, Ere he forgot the promises he made, Which makes this proverb true we find, That out of sight, is quickly out of mind.

For to a rich and wealthy widow old, He went a courting days and nights, we're told: No rest or quiet would he let her have, Till her consent to wed with him she gave.

She told him, ere with him she would engage, She had a daughter fair ten years of age; And therefore, for her only daughter's sake, She was resolved a widow's will to make.

He gave his consent the will to make, And in great joy and triumph they were wed; But during of the time these things were done, He quite forgot his former wife and son.

His new wife she was very cross and proud, And this poor child must never be allow'd With them to dine, but at her chair must stand, Just like a footboy to obey command.

Her daughter, she must at the table sit, And pick and cut the best of meat; Besides a waiting maid, too, miss must have, While the poor boy is made a drudge to slave.

Altho' he was neglected, so we find, Yet fortune unto him did prove so kind; His own dear mother's brother died, we hear, And left this boy two hundred pounds a year.

His father was the interest for to have, That he might keep this boy both fine and brave; But if he died before to age he came, His father then was to enjoy the same.

His step-mother found things were order'd so, She was resolv'd to work his overthrow: Said she when he is put aside and gone, What's left him will quickly be my own.