The infant moralist

Chapter 8: ENVY

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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.

ENVY

Why, Ellen, such a pouting Face

Is quite against the Rule:

I fear you have incurr’d Disgrace,

Or done amiss at School.

What! Lucy Elton’s rich Pelisse

Your envious Thoughts inspire?

And Fanny Jones disturbs your Peace

When dress’d in gay Attire?

You foolish Child, did you but know

The Way their Wealth was gained

Your Cheeks with honest Shame would glow

While youthful Life remained.

For Lucy’s Father robb’d a Bank,

And Fanny’s Sire a Church:

Far from such Wealth you Heav’n may thank

Your Name can None besmirch.