On Education

WHEN infant Reason first exerts her sway,
And new-form'd thoughts their earlier charms display;
Then let the growing race employ your care,
Then guard their op'ning minds from Folly's snare;
Correct the tiring passions of their youth,
Teach them each serious, each important truth;
Plant heav'nly virtue in the tender breast,
Destroy each vice that might its growth molest;
Point out betimes the course they should pursue;
Then with redoubled pleasure shall you view
Their reason strengthen as their years increase,
Their virtues ripen and their follies cease;
Like corn sown early in a fertile soil,
The richest harvest shall repay your toil.