IV.
Willie speaks.
Then put me in the way,
For you, papa, are a man:
What thing shall I do this very day?—
Only be sure I can.
I want to know—I am willing,
Let me at least have a chance!
Shall I give the monkey-boy my shilling?—
I want to serve at once.
The Father answers.
Give all your shillings you might
And hurt your brothers the more;
He only can serve his fellows aright
Who goes in at the little door.
We must do the thing we must
Before the thing we may;
We are unfit for any trust
Till we can and do obey.
Willie speaks.
I will try more and more;
I have nothing now to ask;
Obedience I know is the little door:
Now set me some hard task.
The Father answers.