The Alphabet In Verse: For The Use Of Children Poem by Samuel Bowden

At early dawn of day arise,
Bless first the Ruler of the skys,
Cleanse, wash, and comb, and every day
Dress, read, or work before you play.
Each hour in useful business spend,
For time soon hastens to an end.
Govern your thoughts by wisdom's rule,
Hate every knave, and shun a fool.
Improve in each ingenious art,
Knowledge, like beauty, wins the heart.
Love all your friends, nor hate your foes,
Make these your friends, as well as those.
No bribe shou'd tempt you to a lie,
Or glittering bait allure your eye.
Place not your heart on sordid pelf,
Quarrel with no one but yourself.
Rail not at others-since you may
Some faults commit, as well as they.
Tell not a secret, nor pretend,
Under disguise, to be a friend.
Value no one for gold, or lace.
Wisdom will more than rubies grace.
Xerxes o'er millions weeping cry'd,
Yon host the grave must shortly hide.
Z comes at last-best place of any,
To fit a zealot, or a zany.


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