Though they're neither fair nor witty.

I'll not willingly offend,
Nor be easily offended;
What's amiss I'll strive to mend,
And endure what can't be mended.






LOVE AND DUTY TO PARENTS.


[Illustration: M]

My father, my mother, I know,
I cannot your kindness repay;
But I hope that, as older I grow,
I shall learn your commands to obey.

You loved me before I could tell
Who it was that so tenderly smiled;
But now that I know it so well,
I _should_ be a dutiful child.

I am sorry that ever I should
Be naughty and give you a pain;
I hope I shall learn to be good,