Part 2 — THE IDLE BOY
Reading edition
Thomas was an idle lad, And loung'd about all day; And though he many a lesson had. He minded nought but play.
He only car'd for top or ball, Or marbles, hoop or kite: But as for learning, that was all Neglected by him quite.
[Illustration: The Idle Boy.]
In vain his mothers kind advice In vain his master's care; He followed ev'ry idle vice, And learnt to curse and swear!
And think you, when he grew a man, He prospered in his ways? No; wicked courses never can Bring good and happy days.
Without a shilling in his purse, Or cot to call his own, Poor Thomas grew from bad to worse, And harden'd as a stone.
[Illustration]
And oh, it grieves me much to write His melancholy end; Then let us leave the dreadful sight, And thoughts of pity send.
But may we this important truth Observe and ever hold: "All those who're idle in their youth Will suffer when they're old."
[Illustration]
[Illustration]