Chiding

Reproach will seldom mend the young,
If they are left to need it;
The breath of love must stir the tongue,
If you would have them heed it.

How oft we see a child caressed
For little faults and failings,
Which should have been at first suppressed
To save the after railings!

If, when the heart would go astray,
You would the passion smother,
You must not tear the charm away,
But substitute another.

Thus it is pleasant to be led,
If he who leads will measure
The heart's affection by the head,
And make pursuit a pleasure.

David Bates