Classic Poem

I heard an Angel singing
When the day was springing
Mercy Pity [&] Peace
Is the worlds release

Thus he sung all day
Over the new mown hay
Till the sun went down
And haycocks looked brown

I heard a Devil curse
Over the heath & the furze
Mercy could be no more
If there was nobody poor

And pity no more could be
If all were as happy as we
[Thus he sang &] At his curse the sun went down
And the heavens gave a frown

[(And) Down pourd the heavy rain
Over the new reapd grain
And Mercy & Pity & Peace descended
The Farmers were ruind & harvest was ended]

[And Mercy Pity & Peace
Foyd at their increase
With Povertys Increase
Are]

[And by distress increase
Mercy Pity Peace
By Misery to increase
Mercy Pity Peace]
And Miseries increase
Is Mercy Pity Peace