Thus many a pleasant hour beguil'd,
Young Andrew's courage grew;
Mamma was happier in her child,
And he was happier too.
Note. Nurses are not sufficiently aware of the importance of guarding against early impressions of fear. In this respect, as in many others, it is much easier to prevent a bad habit, than to cure one. Too much care and tenderness of feeling cannot be used towards those children who have unfortunately imbibed a fear of the dark; yet, on the other hand, judicious care should be exercised, that the habit may not be fostered by over-indulgence.
NURSE'S REFLECTIONS ON THE ADVANTAGES
OF TRUTH & SINCERITY.
If children are taught the whole lesson of truth,
"'Twill bud in their childhood, and blossom in youth."
This maxim I learnt from the pen of a sage,
Whose vigor of mind was still green in old age:
And much do I wish that my charge may be found
On that ladder of learning where Truth is the ground;
The foundation so broad makes the ladder stand even;
And Truth's certain steps lead with safety to Heaven.
Then, first, I'll be careful what language I use,
That simple chaste words may express all my views:
I'll watch o'er my actions with studious aim,
That I may not, in future, deserve any blame;
That bad habits may not from my errors proceed,
Or my fair little plants be o'ergrown with a weed,
My word and my promise shall always abide.
And Truth and Sincerity sit side by side.
Should I promise a thing which I do not perform,
I lay the foundation for much future harm:
If children learn falsehood from nurses or mothers,
When grown up they will practise deceit upon others.
Then nought but the truth to my child shall be spoken:
If I once make a promise, it shall not be broken.[5]
As the best thing of all, I will constantly try
To watch over myself with a vigilant eye;
My passions and faults so to mend or remove,
That all may be lost in obedience and love;
That, in practice, I never may knowingly swerve,
From the wishes of those whom I honour and serve:
But with eye singly fix'd, to my duty inclin'd,
Let me show forth a meek and a teachable mind;
On reproof or instruction not daring to trample,
May I always remember the force of example!
FINIS.
J. May, Printer, &c. Dover.
A walk in the country. pa 12.