The infant moralist

Chapter 18: THE CHATTERBOX

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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.

THE CHATTERBOX

I needs must beg you, Caroline,

To cease your Chatter whilst I dine,

It deafens every Ear.

John Footman cannot hear my Words,

And I have asked him twice for Curds

And still he cannot hear.

When Uncle Wilmot, from Malay,

Comes here, to make his usual Stay,

He surely will suppose

That he is back in savage Lands,

Where Heathens roam in impious Bands

And feast upon their Foes.

We all should learn to curb our Speech,

Last Week we heard the Rector preach

Upon this Rule; ’tis true

If he your giddy Talk could hear

His Sermons would be more severe,

And he would preach on You.