The Boy

Play the boy to be master
The boyhood of innocent
Schooled in humanity and simplicity
Gentle of thought and Meek of action
Cultured in respect and honesty

The boy of nature's care and love
Rich in fullness of hope and life
Armed with eagerness to grow and live
Guided and free path not to grope in the dark
Beat step by step the winds of snare

Conscious of the depths of life
Service to God and same to mankind
Harbor no ills and bear no grudges
Plot no evil and do no harm
Pave your way great to great success

Wake in the morning and set the day
Labour and task for all day
Withdraw to rest as the sun gives way
Day to day and by day to pray
Great master that comes to make

Crawl on all four at dawn
stride erect on swift pair at noon
Triped astagger at dusk
That master of the boy.

Master of the morn and tide
Guiding of the moon and scorch
Master of the mighty perils
Masterly matcher of the season with the strands of life
So it is the boy that becomes master.