3 In works of labour, or of skill, I would be busy too: For Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do. 4 In books, or works, or healthful play let my first years be past, That I may give for every day some good account at last. XIII.--_Against Evil Company._ 1 Why should I join with those in play in whom I’ve no delight, Who curse and swear, but never pray who call ill names, and fight? 2 I hate to hear a wanton song; their words offend my ears; I should not dare defile my tongue with language such as theirs. 3 Away from fools I’ll turn my eyes, nor with the scoffers go; I would be walking with the wise, that wiser I may grow. 4 From one rude boy that’s used to mock, ten learn the wicked jest; One sickly sheep infects the flock, and poisons all the rest. 5 My God, I hate to walk or dwell with sinful children here; Then let me not be sent to hell, where none but sinners are. XIX.--_Against Pride in Clothes._ 1 Why should our garments, made to hide Our parents’ shame, provoke our pride? The art of dress did ne’er begin Till Eve, our mother, learned to sin. 2 When first she put the covering on, Her robe of innocence was gone; And yet her children vainly boast In the sad marks of glory lost. 3 How proud we are! how fond to show Our clothes! and call them rich and new! When the poor sheep and silkworms wore That very clothing long before. 4 The tulip and the butterfly Appear in gayer coats than I; Let me be dress’d fine as I will, Flies, worms, and flowers excel me still. 5 Then will I set my heart to find Inward adornings of the mind; Knowledge and virtue, truth and grace, These are the robes of richest dress. 6 No more shall worms with me compare; This is the raiment angels wear; The Son of God, when here below, Put on this blest apparel too. 7 It never fades, it ne’er grows old, Nor fears the rain, nor moth, nor mould; It takes no spot, but still refines; The more it’s worn, the more it shines. 8 In this on earth should I appear, Then go to heav’n and wear it there, God will approve it in his sight; ’Tis his own work, and his delight. XX.--_Obedience to Parents._ 1 Let children that would fear the Lord hear what their teachers say; With reverence meet their parents’ word, and with delight obey. 2 Have we not heard what dreadful plagues are threat’ned by the Lord, To him that breaks his father’s law, or mocks his mother’s word?