1-158-874 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Scene from The Babes (Children) in the Wood, 1878. These prettye babes, with hand in hand,/Went wandering up and downe. The Babes' uncle has paid two ruffians to murder them. One ruffian has a change of heart, murders his accomplice and lets the children go. They wander through the woods until they die of exposure. A ballad of c1600 tells the story of the owner of Wayland Hall, Norfolk, who died leaving his infant son and daughter in the care of his brother. If both children should die before the uncle he would inherit their wealth. After a year, greed overcame duty and family affection. From The Babes in the Wood, published by Frederick Warne and Co. (London, 1879).