The reprobate’s reward. Or, a looking-glass for disobedient children …

[London]: printed and sold by T. Evans, 79, Long-Lane, West Smithfield [18–]

The use of poetry or song is a noticeable feature of warning literature, enlivening the text. This short pamphlet, describing the murder of a mother by her own son, ends with the killer’s confession; the title page proclaims the authenticity of these words, calling them “a true copy of verses written by his own hand”. Fabricated or not, such an addition serves to bring the reader as close as possible to the story and gives a direct warning: “Now children all be warn’d by this you see,/ And parents do not too indulgent be”.

CCD.7.50.14

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