Page:Pieces People Ask For.djvu/44

34 Is punishment. So come, stand up;
 * Transgressions must abide

The pain attendant on the scheme
 * That makes it justified."

So John steps forth, with sunburnt face
 * And hair all in a tumble,

His laughing eyes a contrast to
 * His drooping mouth so humble.

"Now, Mary, you must tell me all,—
 * I see that John will not,—

And if he's been unkind or rude
 * I'll whip him on the spot."

"We—we were playin' p-prisoners' base,
 * An' h-he is s-such a t-tease,

An' w-when I w-wasn't l-lookin', ma'am,
 * H-he kissed me—if you please!"

Upon the teacher's face the smiles
 * Have triumphed o'er the frown,

A pleasant thought runs through her mind,
 * The stick comes harmless down.

But outraged law must be avenged:
 * Begone, ye smiles, begone!

Away, ye little dreams of love!
 * Come on, ye frowns, come on!

"I think I'll have to whip you, John:
 * Such conduct breaks the rule;

No boy, except a naughty one,
 * Would kiss a girl—at school."

Again the teacher's rod is raised,
 * A Nemesis she stands:

A premium were put on sin,
 * If punished by such hands!

As when the bee explores the rose
 * We see the petals tremble,

So trembled Mary's rosebud lips;
 * Her heart would not dissemble.