Lapsus Calami (Aug 1891)/Early School
For other versions of this work, see Early School.
Early School.
If there is a vile, pernicious,Wicked and degraded rule,Tending to debase the vicious,And corrupt the harmless fool;If there is a hateful habitMaking man a senseless tool,With the feelings of a rabbit,And the wisdom of a mule:It's the rule which inculcates,It's the habit which dictates,The wrong and sinful practice of going into school.
If there's anything improvingTo an erring sinner's state,Which is useful in removingAll the ills of human fate:If there's any glorious customWhich our faults can dissipate,And can casually thrust 'emOut of sight, and make us great:It's the plan by which we shirkHalf our matutinal work,The glorious institution of always being late.