Lost and Foundlings

In addition to the tokens left by mothers with their children at the Foundling Hospital, including engraved metal tags and coins, ribbons and beaded trinkets, rings, lockets, keys and even a hazel nut shell, there were also written notes and poems.

Hard is my Lot in deep Distress
To have no help where Most should find
Sure Nature meant her sacred Laws
Should men as strong as Women bind
Regardless he, Unable I,
To keep this Image of my Heart
'Tis vile to murder! hard to Starve
And Death almost to me to part
If Fortune should her favours give
That I in Better plight may Live
I'd try to have my boy again
And Train him up the best of Men.