WORK CHEERILY, BOYS.
DO your work bravely and cheerily, boys,
Whatever the duty may be;
Work thoroughly done, without bluster or noise,
Is the kind that's delightful to see.
Then rouse in the morning with never a plea
For a few minutes longer in bed;
But up! Like the wide-awake boys you should be,
With so many pets to be fed.
Your chickens have called you, and called you in vain,
To come with their oats and their corn;
And the roosters proclaimed in their cheeriest strain
That their breakfast-time comes with the morn.
And the little white rabbits, with tender pink eyes,
Look timidly out from their nest;
I know they are watching for two little boys
To bring them what rabbits love best.
Then up and be stirring! I care not how much
You whistle and sing at your work;
If you throw your good-will into all that you touch,
You will never be tempted to "shirk."
So whatever you do, boys, though hard it may be,
Do it cheerily, bravely, and well;
Then you will be boys most delightful to see,
And men who will make their deeds tell.
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