Few boys are born with talents that excel, But all are capable of living well; Then ask not, Whether limited or large? But, Watch they strictly, or neglect their charge? If anxious only that their boys may learn, While morals languish, a despis'd concern, The great and small deserve one common blame, Much zeal in virtue's cause all teachers boast, Claims more than half the praise as his due share. But, if, with all his genius, he betray, Not more intelligent than loose and gay, The whole reproach - the fault was all his own! Oh 'tis a sight to be with joy perus'd, Father, and friend, and tutor, all in one. Æsop, and Phædrus, and the rest?-Why not? He will not blush that has a father's heart, To take in childish plays a childish part; But bends his sturdy back to any toy That youth takes pleasure in, to please his boy: A task as much within your own command, For one whose tend'rest thoughts all hover round your own? This second weaning, needless as it is, How does it lac'rate both your heart and his! But, though the joys he hopes beneath your roof Bid fair enough to answer in the proof, Harmless, and safe, and nat'ral, as they are, Arriv'd, he feels an unexpected change; He blushes, hangs his head, is shy and strange, And, least familiar where he should be most, Feels all his happiest privileges lost. Alas, poor boy!—the natural effect Of love by absence chill'd into respect. Say, what accomplishments, at school acquir'd, Thou well deserv'st an alienated son, Unless thy conscious heart acknowledge-none; None that, in thy domestic snug recess, He had not made his own with more address, Though some perhaps that shock thy feeling mind, And better never learn'd, or left behind. Add too, that, thus estrang'd, thou canst obtain By no kind arts his confidence again; That here begins with most that long complaint Of filial frankness lost, and love grown faint, Like caterpillars, dangling under trees By slender threads, and swinging in the breeze, Which filthily bewray and sore disgrace The bougns in which are bred th' unseemly race; While ev'ry worm industriously weaves And winds his web about the rivell'd leaves; The mind and heart of every sprightly boy; Imaginations noxious and perverse, Which admonition can alone disperse. Th' encroaching nuisance asks a faithful hand, Patient, affectionate, of high command, |