What years of youthful ills and pangs and bumps—

And chicken-pox and measles, croup and mumps!

Promoted now from bassinet to crib,—

Since God first made so free with Adam's rib!

When teeth are here, you'll meet the dentist's chair;

That stoves are hot, and how to brush your hair;

By bruises, tears, and trousers you will grow,

I'll wish you luck, and moralize you so:

If you can think up seven thousand methods