The infant moralist

Chapter 19: SOLICITUDE

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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.

SOLICITUDE

Come Matthew! set your Book aside,

And Ann your Shawl put on,

For in the Carriage we will ride

To visit Uncle John.

The Way is long so Bread we’ll take,

And then, with Cups to fill,

We will alight our Thirst to slake

By some pellucid Rill.

“Thanks, dear Papa,” the Youth did say,

“But shall we ask Mama

Her kindly Fears aside to lay

Before we ride so far?”

Yes, thoughtful Boy, his Sire replied,

Your Words I now commend;

Solicitude should be our Guide

With Parent, as with Friend.