Forgot the truth and lost the flying day—
That we went wrong we say not is not true,
But, if we erred, were we not punished too?
If not—if no one checked our wandering feet,—
Shall we our parents’ negligence repeat?—
In future times that ancient loss renew,
If none saved us, forbear from saving you?
Nor let that justice in your faults be seen
Which in our own or was or should have been?
Yet, yet, recall the mind that you had then,