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The infant moralist

Chapter 17: UNSUITABLE JESTING
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About This Book

A collection of short didactic poems for young readers that depict everyday domestic scenes to illustrate moral lessons. Each verse presents a simple incident—such as animal cruelty, heedless mischief, greed, envy, profanity, or neglect of the elderly—and traces its immediate consequences, often ending with parental correction or reflection. The pieces use plain rhyme and narrative vignettes to teach virtues like charity, politeness, courage, and prudence, emphasizing cause and effect in familiar, child-centered settings.

UNSUITABLE JESTING

It grieves me, Emma, much to see
How Pert and Rude you are;
Sure, everybody must agree
From Courtesy you’re far.
What wicked Rudeness thus to jest
On Mister Barton’s Toes:
Poor Gentleman, he’s Uncle’s Guest,
And Gout gives painful Throes.
How very ill does it beseem
A Child to play such Part:
The Prisons of the World do teem
With those of unkind Heart.