Poems (Mansfield)/A Few Rules for Beginners
A FEW RULES FOR BEGINNERS
Babies must not eat the coalAnd they must not make grimaces,Nor in party dresses rollAnd must never black their faces.
They must learn that pointing's rude,They must sit quite still at table,And must always eat the foodPut before them—if they're able.
If they fall, they must not cry,Though it's known how painful this is;No—there's always Mother byWho will comfort them with kisses.