The First Part.
GIve ear and attention, and you shall hear
Of a strange Wonder that hapned in Wiltshire,
The marvelous thing that ere was in Print,
Faithfully written and nothing false in't.
It is of a man in his Country so rare,
That none now are living with him could compare,
His dealing it is so upright and just,
I will nere be forgot, though be turned to dust.
Last year he was blest with a plentiful crop,
His Barns were crammed from bottom to top,
He made no advantage, all Grain being dear,
But glad was to see the Poor people appear;
To whom be sold cheap, but a Crown was his rate,
When others for a Bushel of Eight did not bate,
But worshipt their Barns and kept close the door,
For fear to shew Charity unto the Poor.
But this Man he was of a spirit so sweet,
Being a very great help to all he did meet,
Great was his Pity, his Bounty also,
Exact he would not of Friend nor of Foe.
But freely at half-Rates his Corn he did sell,
As all just people hereafter will tell.
By the exacting of others the distrest came so fast,
His Barns at those low rates were emptied at last.
That he had no Corn for his house, but he bought,
And yet all the Countrys over he sought,
To help to supply the wants of the needy,
In City or Country no man so speedy.
He bought a fresh Stock at the Market-rates,
All the Poor near him anticipates.
Still at the half-Rates that the Poor may live,
He sold to them, though twice more he did give.