The infant moralist

Chapter 21: THOMAS AND THE BEGGAR

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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.

THOMAS AND THE BEGGAR

Come, Thomas come, your Mother called,

She saw you in the Street,

And of that Beggar, blind and bald

She watch’d you trip the Feet.

His little Dog, with Jaws agape,

An angry Protest raised:

But all too late, his Master’s Shape

The Pavement’s Edge had grazed.

Swift running came Policeman Joe

And, threat’ning, spoke of Jail:

For those who Others overthrow

May deep in Dungeons wail.