Good resolutions. 7,8,7,8 Though I'm now in younger days, Nor can tell what shall befall me, I'll prepare for every place Where my growing age shall call me. Should I e'er be rich or great, Others shall partake my goodness: I'll supply the poor with meat, Never showing scorn or rudeness. Where I see the blind or lame, Deaf or dumb, I'll kindly treat them: I deserve to feel the same, I I mock, or hurt, or cheat them. If I meet with railing tongues, Why should I return them railing, Since I best revenge my wrongs By my patience never failing? When I hear them telling lies, Talking foolish, cursing, swearing, First I'll try to make them wise, Or I'll soon go out of hearing. What though I be low or mean, I'll engage the rich to love me, While I'm modest, neat, and clean, And submit when they reprove me. If I should be poor and sick, I shall meet, I hope, with pity; Since I love to help the weak, Though they're neither fair nor witty. I'll not willingly offend, Nor be easily offended: What's amiss I'll strive to mend, And endure what can't be mended. May I be so watchful still O'er my humours and my passion, As to speak and do no ill, Though it should be all the fashion. Wicked fashions lead to hell; Ne'er may I be found complying; But in life behave so well, Not to be afraid of dying. |