Poems for Children Sigourney/Respect to Age

by Lydia Sigourney

Respect to Age.

When leaning on the staff,
    Amid the crowded street,
With feeble step and wrinkled face,
    Some aged form I meet.

However poor and weak,
    Or ignorant and low,
I must respect those hoary hairs,
    For God has told me so.

I love to see the hair
    All venerably grey;
A crown of glory 't is to those
    Who walk in Wisdom's way.

I love the reverend head,
    With years and honors white,
'T is like the ripen'd fruit of heav'n,
    And angels bless the sight.