Reproof a parent’s province is; A sister’s discipline is this; By studied kindness to effect A little brother’s young respect. What is a doll? a fragile toy. What is its loss? If the dear boy, Who half perceives he’s done amiss, Retain impression of the kiss That follow’d instant on his cheek; If the kind loving words we speak Of “Never mind it:” “We forgive;” If these in his short memory live Only perchance for half-a-day-- Who minds a doll--if that should lay The first impression in his mind That sisters are to brothers kind? For thus the broken doll may prove Foundation to fraternal love. [Illustration] [Illustration: GOING INTO BREECHES] XVI Joy to Philip! he this day Has his long coats cast away, And (the childish season gone) Put the manly breeches on. Officer on gay parade, Red-coat in his first cockade, Bridegroom in his wedding trim, Birthday beau surpassing him, Never did with conscious gait Strut about in half the state Or the pride (yet free from sin) Of my little MANIKIN: Never was there pride or bliss Half so rational as his. Sashes, frocks, to those that need ’em, Philip’s limbs have got their freedom-- He can run, or he can ride, And do twenty things beside, [Illustration] Which his petticoats forbad; Is he not a happy lad? Now he’s under other banners He must leave his former manners; Bid adieu to female games And forget their very names; Puss-in-corners, hide-and-seek, Sports for girls and punies weak! Baste-the-bear he now may play at, Leap-frog, football sport away at; Show his skill and strength at cricket, Mark his distance, pitch his wicket; Run about in winter’s snow Till his cheeks and fingers glow; Climb a tree or scale a wall Without any fear to fall. If he get a hurt or bruise, To complain he must refuse, Though the anguish and the smart Go unto his little heart; He must have his courage ready, Keep his voice and visage steady; Brace his eyeballs stiff as drum, That a tear may never come; And his grief must only speak From the colour in his cheek. This and more he must endure, Hero he in miniature. This and more must now be done, Now the breeches are put on. [Illustration] [Illustration: THE THREE FRIENDS] XVII