Moral Pieces, in Prose and Verse/Application of the Roman Precept

by Lydia Sigourney

APPLICATION OF THE ROMAN PRECEPT,

"Take heed—Cato sees you."

THE Roman teachers said.—"Beware of sin,
Injustice to thy friend, or guilt within,
See that ye break not our most just decrees;
Take heed to what ye do, for Cato sees."

And Oh! were they who bow'd to flesh and blood,
More wise than we who serve the living God?
Forgetful Christian! learn like them to fear,
Not because Cato sees, but God is near.