BEWARE OF THE WOLF.
Beware Of The Wolf
YOU never need fear, little children, to meet
A wolf in the garden, the wood, or the street;
Red Riding-hood's story is only a fable,
I'll give it's moral as well as I'm able;
Bad Temper's the wolf which we meet everywhere
Beware of this wolf! Little children, beware!
I know of a boy, neither gentle nor wise,
If you tell him a fault he gives saucy replies;
If kept from his way, in a fury he flies
Ah! Passion's the wolf with the very large eyes;
"Tis ready to snap and to trample and tear
Beware of this wolf! Little children, beware!
I know of a girl always trying to learn
About things with which she should have no concern;
Such mean Curiosity really appears
To me like the wolf with the very large ears,
All pricked up to listen, each secret to share
Beware of this wolf! Little children, beware!
And Greediness, that's like the wolf in the wood
With the very large mouth, ever prowling for food,
That eats so much more than for health can be good;
That would clear a whole pastry cook's shop if it could;
That never a dainty to others would spare
Beware of this wolf! Little children, beware!
Passion, Prying, and Greediness, each thus appears
As a wolf with fierce eyes, a large mouth, or big ears,
They bring to our nurseries fighting and fears,
They cause bitter quarreling, trouble, and tears.
Oh! chase them and drive them all back to their lair
Beware of the wolf! Little children, beware!
YI