Part 2 — THE IDLE BOY.

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.

In vain his mother’s kind advice, In vain his master’s care; He follow’d ev’ry idle vice, And learnt to curse and swear! And think you, when he grew a man, He prosper’d 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.

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.”