2-713-481 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Away They Went The Pretty Babes, Rejoycing At That Tide' c1878. The orphaned Babes have been told they are to be brought up in London, but are taken off to be murdered by ruffians hired by their wicked uncle. 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 (or Children) in the Wood", illustrated by Randolph Caldecott. [London, c1878]