E. RENDALL

Here lies a Costermonger, Tall was she, Just the very size you'd wish a Christmas tree to be. All life long she stood a-hawking Small delights, Merry scornings, gay good-mornings, Kind good-nights. Bright balloons of mirth she'd cry you, Apples of jest, Laces—but you found them heartstrings— Of the best, Quips and kisses, April laughter, Had you a mind There were posies—all she sold you Paid for in kind. Scraps of fun and fluffs of fancy, Trayfuls of toys For stock-in-trade: for customers Grown-up girls and boys. Here lies a Costermonger, Dark the world to me As when they've put the candles out On a Christmas tree.