Don't Tell A Lie
Don't tell a lie, dear children,
No matter what you do,--
Own up and be a hero,
Right honest, brave, and true.
You'd better have a whipping
Each day than tell a lie,--
No, not a "white one," even,
They lead to blackest dye.
The rod but hurts your body,
While lies deform your soul;--
Don't mind the present smarting,
Keep the spirit pure and whole.
But I am sure that mamma
And papa, too, will try
To help you children tell the Truth,
Nor drive you to a lie.
They will not punish harshly,
Nor when they're angry, quite;
Nor promise, and then fail to do,--
But always lead you right.
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