A "trawl" through the Bodleian is always sure to get me going off in all directions, as songs on every subject take my attention.
Here is one about a beggar child at Christmas time.

THE BEGGAR CHILD'S DREAM

The snow had robed the earth in white,
The streets were chill and drear,
But windows were ablaze with light,
For Christmas tide was near,
And one poor child with naked feet
Peered through a pane to see,
Some happy children at their treat,
Around a Christmas tree.

They clapp'd their hands, and, child-like, told
Their pleasure in a shout,
The watcher too forgot the cold,
And laugh'd with joy without.
But heavy grew the little eyes,
And sleep upon him crept,
And as the winner took the prize,
He crouch'd him down and slept.

He slept and in his dreaming, lo!
He saw a figure stand
Within a bright and happy glow,
And hold to him its hand,
He clasp'd it tight and pass'd away
Beyond the realms of night,
And with the dawning of the day
Awoke to perfect light.

Sniff! Sniff! Echos of the Little Match Girl.
Bodelian Library, Firth b.28(7a/b), 1877-1884, H. Beresford, 99 New Street, Birmingham.