Page:Poetical pieces on various subjects.pdf/8



My son, to thee I now do cry,

let soft persuasion draw:

Like to the apple of thine eye,

keep my commands and law

Let them be round thy fingers girt,

observe them well with care;

And on the tablet of thine heart

imprint them deeply there

Drink thou at wisdom's pleasant brook;

her as a sister view;

On understanding daily look,

as kinswoman to you.

That they may safely thee inclose,

from women that are strange;

And from the flatt'ring words of those

that would thy manners change.