Poor Dick, by Edward Slow (1841-1925)
This is one of the pieces Edward Slow wrote for his 1881 edition of Wiltshire Rhymes, and is based on a true event, as shown by the subtitle,
"In memory of R...... T........, who died at Wilton, in his fifteenth year."
I include several photographs of the relevant grave in Wilton churchyard. It was obviously a sad occasion for the little market town.
Edward Slow, born in Wilton workhouse in 1841, grew up and wrote many rhymes and stories in the fast-disappearing rural dialect he heard about him from the labourers, drowners, woodmen, carriers and shepherds, etc..
Read more about him at www.edwardslow.wordpress.com.