SONGS for CHILDREN, SONG XXIV

Ye children whom whimsies and follies prplex, Whom passions misguide, and impatience vez, Who never with pleasure your parents obey, But are still discontented, at reading or play. Attend to our counsel and we will declare, How you may avoid all your follies and care.

Consider of whom you were born, and how bed, Consider who gives you your board and your bed; Remember by whom 'twas you first saw the light, Remember who guards you by day and by night. Attend toour counsel, and hear us declare, How you may avoid all your trouble and care.

Be always compliant and do what you're bid, For that is the way you'll never be chid! If your parents should frown, by your smiles you may charm, For the smiles of sweet innoccence anger disarm. Then attend to our counsel, and hear us declare, How a child may avoid ev'ry trouble and care.

To all your acquaintance be gentle and kind, The advice of your elders be sure that you mind; Whatever they say, you will find for your good, So let their instructions be always pursu'd Attend to our counsel for they will declare, How a child may avoid ev'ry trouble and care.

With your play-fellows never be wrangling nor cross, For they that are wranglers are sure to have loss; But win by good humour the praises of those, Who may serve you as friends, or may hurt you as foes. Then attend to our counsels, and hear us declare, How you may live happy, and avoid of all care.

Do to all, as yourself you'd wish to be done by, And scorn to tell tales, to speak evil, or lie; Fear God, love your parents, and honour the King, And happiness still from your actions shall spring. Then attend to our counsels, and while thus we declare, How you may live happy, and void of all care.