ONLY A BOY.
Reading edition
Only a boy, with his noise and fun, The veriest mystery under the sun; As brimful of mischief, and wit, and glee, As ever human frame can be; And as hard to manage, as—ah!—ah, me! 'Tis hard to tell, Yet we love him well. Only, a boy, with his fearful tread, Who cannot be driven, but must be led; Who troubles the neighbors' dogs and cats, And who tears more clothes and spoils more hats, Loses more tops, and kites, and bats, Than would stock a store, For a year or more. Only a boy, who will be a man, If nature goes on with her first great plan; If water, or fire, or some fatal snare Conspire not to rob us of this, our heir. Our blessing, our trouble, our rest, our care; Our torment, our joy— "Only, a boy."
