2-713-487 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Sore Sicke They Were and Like To Dye', c1878. The Babes play obliviously as their parents lie on their deathbed, attended by doctors. 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]