Directions for All Good Boys and Girls to Follow

When early in the morn you rise, And shake off slumber from your eyes, Fail not to pray to God on high, To show'r his blessings from the sky

And when you've said your morning pray'r, Let cleanliness be next your care, Your hair be comb'd, your face and hands Be wash'd, as decency commands.

Next mind in time vou get to school, And there observe each proper rule; Sit still and steady; on your book, But not on other matters, look.

To learning if you will attend, Learning will prove your greatest friend Dunces for ever meet with shame, And never rise to worth or fame.

But those who to their book attend, Shall always meet thro' life a friend; And, howsoe'er their lot is cast, If wise, will come to good at last.

Before your meals repeat your grace, Then sit contented in your place; Nor ask for any thing, but wait Till meat be put upon your plate.

Sit upright, never forward lean, From grease be sure that you keep clean; Nor look around with greedy eye, Nor eat too much of fav'rite pye.

Sit sti1l 'till you are bid retire, Nor croud too close o'er winter fire; Observe what all good children do, And keep their pattern still in view.

Never be heard too loud to speak, Only when ask'd your silence break; Be sure your elders to obey, Nor e'er be quarrelsome at play.

Never bear tales, or you will be Hated by all you hear and see; Mind but yourself—let others do Just as they please;—'tis nought to you.

Be of a temper kind and mild, For that will best become a child; A wrangler none can e'er approve, But gentleness secures you love.

If ever you should chance to meet A common beggar in the street, Do not with scorn that beggar view, The God that made him, did make you.

On school-mates never lay the fault, If you have done what you ought not, Believe me, child, howe'er you cry. 'Tis always best to scorn a lie.

To ev'ry one give honour due, And they'll return their love to you; There's none so high, there's none so low, But yet may prove a friend or foe.

But chief of all your parents prize, it you'd be bless'd, if you'd be wise, Tho' now perhaps not understood, All that they say is for your good.

DO you a just example take, I'll ways in proper time forsake, Your safety ne'er can be ensur'd, But by your parent's care secur'd.

In all your thoughts, at work or play, Your teachers stil1 should bear the sway; Nor e'er keep company with those, Who other thoughts or words disclose.

When tir'd at night to bed you go, Sleep quiet, as no cares you know, Again your pray'rs to heav'n addrest, No doubt an infant shall be blest.

In ev'ry case let children own They have no will that is their own; And, tho' above their years, their wit, Still to superiours mild submit.

Sweetness and goodness be their praise, For these will last to other days; The time will come when they shall prove, That children's goodness gains Heav'n's love.