16
O'er all their failings kindly draw a veil;
Hide all their faults, and for their sorrows feel.
Severity should ne'er your hearts invade,
Nor passion's angry storms your sex degrade.
Yet still be firm;—still on yourselves depend,
And, next to God, be each your own best friend.
Be gentle—mild;—be steady, true, and just,—
Nor too confiding, nor afraid to trust.
Your parents honour, love, attend, obey;
Regard their counsel, and their care repay.
Respect yourselves, God's holy laws fulfil,—
So shall you live blest and contented still;
And ever find, till life shall have an end,
In God a father, and in man a friend.
Hide all their faults, and for their sorrows feel.
Severity should ne'er your hearts invade,
Nor passion's angry storms your sex degrade.
Yet still be firm;—still on yourselves depend,
And, next to God, be each your own best friend.
Be gentle—mild;—be steady, true, and just,—
Nor too confiding, nor afraid to trust.
Your parents honour, love, attend, obey;
Regard their counsel, and their care repay.
Respect yourselves, God's holy laws fulfil,—
So shall you live blest and contented still;
And ever find, till life shall have an end,
In God a father, and in man a friend.
