If it were e'er so gentle,

(I speak in tone parental,)

Do not thy very softest whisper utter.

I know that startled trembling all a hoax,

Thou pert and saucy thing!

I'll make thy fine ears ring;

I'll pretermit thy silly, taunting jokes.

"Whip thee?" Ay, that I will, and whip thee well;

Thy chattering tongue now hold!

There, there; I will no further scold.