Classic Poem

Mira, as thy dear Edward's senses grow,
Be sure they all will seek this point — to know :
Woo to enquiry — strictures long avoid;
By force the thirst of weakly sense is cloyed:
Silent attend the frown, the gaze, the smile,
To grasp far objects the incessant toil;
So play life's springs with energy, and try
The unceasing thirst of knowledge to supply.
I saw the beauteous Caleb t' other day
Stretch forth his little hand to touch a spray,
Whilst on the grass his drowsy nurse inhaled
The sweets of Nature as her sweets exhaled:
But, ere the infant reached the playful leaf,
She pulled him back — His eyes o'erflowed with grief;
He checked his tears — Her fiercer passions strove,
She looked a vulture cowering o'er a dove!
" I'll teach you, brat!" The pretty trembler sighed —
When, with a cruel shake, she hoarsely cried —
" Your mother spoils you — every thing you see
You covet. It shall ne'er be so with me!
Here, eat this cake, sit still, and don't you rise —
Why don't you pluck the sun down from the skies?
I'll spoil your sport — Come, laugh me in the face —
And henceforth learn to keep your proper place.
You rule me in the house! — To hush your noise
I, like a spaniel, must run for toys:
But here, Sir, let the trees alone, nor cry —
Pluck if you dare — Who's master? you, or I?"
O brutal force, to check th' enquiring mind,
When it would pleasure in a rosebud find!