BALLAD. (Parents may fairly thank themselves)

Parents may fairly thank themselves Should love our duty master, Checking his power, the senseless elves But tie the knot the faster.

To trick such dotards, weak and vain, Is duty and allegiance, Whilst love, and all his pleasing train, To fly were disobedience.

As fickle fancy, or caprice, Or headstrong whim, advises, Children, and all their future peace, Become the sacrifices:

Then trick these dotards, weak and vain, 'Tis duty and allegiance; Whilst Love and all his pleasing train To fly were disobedience.