Eat What's Set Before You
Reading edition
As children ofttimes we were wont To criticise and fuss About the victuals that were cooked And served by ma to us: "Too salty" this, and "too sweet" that; "You've had this twice since Sunday; You always have what others like, You might please me just one day." And so it went till pa would say:— 'Twas meant you could not doubt it— "Just eat what's set before you and Say nothin' 'tall about it." Now we are grown and, seems to me, Too often we're inclined To criticise the things Fate gives, And think this life a grind. Some things may not just suit our taste, Some e'en be quite unpleasant; Someone may get the bigger share And failure seem e'er present; But then, let's think of pa's advice:— It's sound, pray never doubt it— "Just eat what's set before you and Say nothin' 'tall about it." Life's road is rough—but what of that? The man who'll growls forswear Will top the hills ahead the crowd All smiles, with breath to spare. And so it goes this wide world o'er— 'Tis true for saint and sinner— The man who silently will "dig" Will always prove the winner. That's why I say take pa's advice:— Try once and you'll not doubt it— "Just eat what's set before you and Say nothin' 'tall about it."
