A CHARADE

O be my first, my darling child,

Whatever may betide;

Meet falsehood with its best rebuke,

An open, earnest, honest look,

Clear-browed, and fearless-eyed.

Be like my second, thoughtful, wise,

And in life's summer prime,

Gather and hoard a goodly store

Of truth and love, and priceless lore,

To cheer its winter time.

But never let thy frank young heart

Consent to play my whole;

Let will and honor in it meet,

Let Duty ever guide thy feet,

And keep thy steadfast soul.

Tru-ant