Let’s beware of “the man” who scorns to work,
Yet dare not refrain from eating!
In the core of his heart doth meanness lurk,
In spite of his bland, fair greeting!
He may talk and look like “a gentleman,”
And dress in the height of fashion;
He’ll “run on credit ” wherever he can,
If “dunn’d ” – gets into a passion!
He will oft-times talk of religion, too.
And pray with seeming devotion;
He may go to church, yet pay for a pew –
Of that he ne’er had a notion!
He carries his head like an English lord.
Though he sometimes tastes of hunger!
He will eat at the widow’s frugal board.
And “skip” when she “trusts” no longer!
His heart is devoid of affection dear, –
He’d live off his poor old mother!
And will sponge” on his friends both far and near,
Claiming each one for a brother!
Oh! out on the man with a heart of stone.
Who knows not the pleasure of giving;
Who will whimper, and whine, and beg, and groan –
“That the world owes him a living!”
He who “will not work ” should not dare to eat
The bread of another’s earning;
For rather a thousand times sweep the street,
Thereby independence learning!
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