﻿MY FATHER. 



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My Father. 



DEAR Father, while daily and hourly I see 



New proofs of your tender affection for me ; 



It may please you to know how your kindness has won 



The return that it calls for the love of a son. 



Some fathers are distant, and stern, and severe, 

 They speak to command, and they govern by fear; 

 Obedience, indeed, by such means may be won, 

 But thev fail in securing the love of a son. 



Your praise, my dear Father, is easy to earn, 

 When you teach me, I feel it a pleasure to learn ; 

 And when tasks are concluded, and duties are done, 

 You share in the pastimes and sports of your son. 



I am often unthinking and idle, 'tis true, 

 But I freely confess all my follies to you : 

 You tell me what ways to pursue and to shun, 

 And you leniently look on the faults of your son. 



