The Kentish Wonder.
OR,
The Unmerciful Farmers Misfortune.
Containing an Account of an Old Miser, living in the Town of Maulden in the
County of Kent, that kept his Corn so long, in hopes it would be still Dearer, that at length the very Hogs would
not eat it. Likewise in his Field this Summer, a sheaf of Corn was heard to cry like a young Child while it was
bound, but when it was open, and spread, it ceased; but when bound up again it did the like, to the astonishment of
all Spectators.
Tune of, If Love's a sweet passion. Licensed according to Order.
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COme listen a while and I here will unfold
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A strange Wonder, the like I think never was told,
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This Miraculous Judgment from Heaven was sent,
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To a wealthy old Farmer at Maulden in Kent,
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Who had laid up his Corn in a plentiful store,
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For enriching his Coffers, and starving the Poor.
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It seems that he went to the Market one day,
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And in presence of many this Miser did say,
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That a Bushel of Wheat from his hands should not go
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At the Price which they sold it, for, said he, I know,
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That e're long I shall sell it for near as much more:
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Thus the covetous Wretch was for starving the Poor.
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The honest good farmers that near him did dwell,
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Did perswade this old covetous creature to sell,
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For, said they, e're long it may happen to fall,
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But he made them no Rational Answer at all:
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Like a wretch void of reason, he bitterly swore,
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He would keep up his Corn, and a Fig for the Poor.
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They found him resolved his Barns for to fill,
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So they let him alone to his resolute will,
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But he often repeated he made no great doubt,
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That before the next quarter of a year came about,
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He should sell up his Corn for almost as much more,
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Thus he study'd for Riches by starving the Poor.
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But God he was pleased a Judgment to send,
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For the cruel oppression which he did intend.
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First the Wheat in his Barns did perish and waste,
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Having lost its good Virtue, sweet relish and taste,
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Sure the like was ne'er known in all Ages before,
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Thus the Wretch was rewarded for starving the Poor.
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He went to another large Barn of Grain,
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For to use some of that, but it proved in vain,
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To the Mill it was carried with speed to be ground,
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But when they came to use it no relish was found,
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Thus a Judgment was sent on his plentiful store,
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For his being resolved to starve up the poor.
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O then in a Fury he threw it the Swine,
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And alth' to the Eye it was pleasant and fine,
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Yet the Hogs they run from it, refusing to Eat,
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Or to taste of a grain of the Barley or Wheat,
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Thus a Judgement was sent on his plentiful store,
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For his seeking of Riches by starving the poor.
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Now here is another strange wonder beside,
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A new sheave of his Corn like a little Child cry'd,
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With a voice as if something were to be reveal'd,
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Now it fill'd them with wonder who were in the Field,
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When the sheaf they unbound, then it ceased. Therefore
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'Twas a Miracle sent with the crys of the Poor.
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They went for to bind up the sheaf once again,
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Strait the cry of an Infant was heard loud and plain,
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As a Miracle sent to this wretch from above,
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For his binding up close the dear Bowels of Love,
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When at Market he vow'd he would keep up his store,
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For enriching his Coffers by starving the Poor.
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So as soon as the Corn was at Liberty laid,
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Strait the Cry was abated, and therefore they said,
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From the sign that was given did well understand,
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That no Miser should hoard up the Bread of the land,
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But as God does afford us a plentiful store,
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They should have a Compassion and Love to the Poor.
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FINIS.
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