What prudent mothers to their offspring owe;

Not but a parent may restrain a child,

Nay, may reject him, if he will be wild;

But hers were good, and so they would remain;

If not, alas! who should their wills restrain?’” (O.M.)

variant of ll. 499–508:

“Oh!” she cried, “stop, our means will never last;”

For she had sad remembrance of the past.

“Hence with all care!” the husband cried, “away!

Him have I shunned, and hated day by day;