The Wail of the Cornish Mother
The Wail of the Cornish Mother
Original Text
Rev. R. S. Hawker, The Cornish Ballads And
other Poems (Oxford and London: James Parker, 1869): 19-20. Facsimile Reproduction
with an intro. by Kay J. Walter and Terence Allan Hoagwood. Delmar, N.Y.:
Scholars' Facsimiles, 1994. PR 4759 H9C6 1869a Robarts Library
I.
1They say 'tis a sin to sorrow,2 That what God doth is best:
3But 'tis only a month to-morrow,
4 I buried it from my breast.
II.
5I know it should be a pleasure,6 Your child to God to send: --
7But mine was a precious treasure
III.
9I thought it would call me "mother,"10 The very first words it said;
11O! I never can love another,
12 Like the blessèd babe that's dead.
IV.
13Well, God is its own dear Father,14 It was carried to church and blessed:
15And our Saviour's arms will gather
16 Such children to their rest.
V.
17I shall make my best endeavour,18 That my sins may be forgiven:
19I will serve God more than ever,
20 To meet my child in heaven.
VI.
21I will check this foolish sorrow,22 For what God doth is best: --
23But O! 'tis a month to-morrow,
24 I buried it from my breast.
Notes
8] friend: "The name for Husband in this country" (Cornish Ballads [1908]: 81). Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1836
Publication Notes
Records of the Western Shore, 2nd ser. (1836).
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
2002
Rhyme
Form