Her gait to walk; her blessings to beseech.

They laugh or cry, as Mistress says they may,—

In everything the little tots obey.

The youth know naught save Mrs. Grundy's whims.

They play her games. They sing her holy hymns.

They question not; accept both truth and fiction,

(The OLD is right, within her jurisdiction!).

Maid, matron, man unto her meekly bow.

She with contempt or ridicule may cow.

They dare not speak, or dress, or love, or hate,