The GOVERNESS: A SIMILE

As when blithe lambs their vernal revels keep, Bound from the turf, and o'er the hillocks leap; Now harmless try to butt, then run away; Now wearied feed, and thus consume the day— Th' indulgent shepherdess attentive lies, Lest from the woods some sudden foe should rise, And as they play, her harmless flock surprize. So, the sage governess, whose constant care By wisdom's dictates, forms the tender fair; When her gay female throng, to sport inclin'd, Suspend the nobler pleasures of the mind, With jealous eyes each motion does survey, Lest they should swerve from virtue in their play.

CHILDREN, like tender oziers, take the bow, And as they first are fashion'd, always grow; For what we learn in youth, to that alone In age we are by second nature prone.