Bribed

I know that what I did was wrong;

I should have sent you far away.

You tempted me, and I'm not strong;

I tried but could n't answer nay.

I should have packed you off to bed;

Instead I let you stay awhile,

And mother scolded when I said

That you had bribed me with your smile.

And yesterday I gave to you

Another piece of chocolate cake,

Some red-ripe watermelon, too,

And that gave you the stomach ache.

And that was after I'd been told

You'd had enough, you saucy miss;

You tempted me, you five-year-old,

And bribed me with a hug and kiss.

And mother said I must n't get

You roller skates, yet here they are;

I have n't dared to tell her yet;

Some time, she says, I'll go too far.

I gave my word I would n't buy

These things, for accidents she fears;

Now I must tell, when questioned why,

Just how you bribed me with your tears.

I've tried so hard to do the right,

Yet I have broken every vow.

I let you do, most every night,

The things your mother wo n't allow.

I know that I am doing wrong,

Yet all my sense of honor flies,

The moment that you come along

And bribe me with those wondrous eyes.