The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe by James Parton
page 76 of 959 (07%)
page 76 of 959 (07%)
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There is about the sports of youth A charm that reaches every heart, Marbles or tops are games of truth, The bat plays no deceiver's part. But if we hear a sudden crash, No explanation need be stay'd for, We know there's something gone to smash; We feel that "Children must be paid for." How exquisite the infant's grace, When, clambering upon the knee, The cherub, smiling, takes his place Upon his mother's lap at tea; Perchance the beverage flows o'er, And leaves a stain there is no aid for, On carpet, dress, or chair--Once more We feel that "Children must be paid for." Presiding at the festive board, With many faces laughing round, Dull melancholy is ignored While mirth and jollity abound: We see our table amply spread With knives and forks a dozen laid for, Then pause to think--"How are they fed?" Yes, "Children must indeed be paid for!" |
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