SONGS for CHILDREN, SONG XXII

When BILLY was a little boy, He then liv'd all alone; Abroad his father had employ, And mother he had none.

So BILLY was unhappy quite, But still his book he read; And learning still was his delight, Which to promotion led.

The parson was a man full kind, The child when he observ'd; As BILLY first had took his mind, His love he still preserv'd.

He taught him all good boys should know, BILLY each lesson took; While study is his full employ, He profits by his book.

Belov'd by all;—A merchant brave, Took BILLY for his clerk; Where he had all that boy could have, And minded well his work.

The master died—he had the trade, And only daughter too; And business all his study made, Industrious did pursue.

His father now, return'd again, His voyage being done; With gold and jewels at command, And Would assist his son.

But BILLY wanted none of these; With riches of his own, He liv'd in grandeur and in ease, And not (as once) alone.

For he had friends, and soon was made An Alderman we find; And, as his talents he display'd The city prov'd most kind.

Lord Mayor of London, he at last, In the gilt coach does ride, See how he thro' the streets doth pass, His lady by his side.