Classic Poem

Parents may fairly thank themselves,
Should love our duty master,
Checking his power, the senseless elves
But tie the knot the faster.

To trick such dotards, weak and vain,
Is duty and allegiance,
Whilst love, and all his pleasing train,
To fly were disobedience.

II.

As fickle fancy, or caprice,
Or headlong whim, advises,
Children, and all their future peace,
Become the sacrifices:

Then trick these dotards, weak and vain,
'Tis duty and allegiance;
Whilst love, and all his pleasing train,
To fly were disobedience.