POETRY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2195, 9 March 1881, Page 3

POETRY.

SOUND ADVICE, [by PABMKXAS MIX. 1 “You wish to be a lawyer, John —well, I’d not say a word Unless I felt quite certain that your longings are absurd; I don’t wish to discourage you, but then I can’t consent, To board you, as I’d hev to do, and pay your office rent. “ You’ve got a lusty set o’ limbs, and ordinary head, And you were meant by common toil to earn your daily bread ; But a thriving farm and pleasant home where man and wife agree Beat any one-horse lawyer’s luck as for as you can see. " If you’d been bom with talent, John, you’d long ago hev shown That you had gifts by stealing off to study books, alone; Now, if you’ve ever read, a book, I r’ally don’t know when, Though, come to think, I b’lieve you sling a somewhat legal pen, “ Be wise, my boy, tho legal ranks are more than crowded now, And half them who starve therein were out out for the plow, But they mistook pure laziness for talent, understand. And helped to fill a big supply where there was no demand. “ Are they not educated ? Yes ; but here let me explain, That seed that’s sown in shady soil brings forth but little grain ; And this higher education to an ordinary mind Is like a pair of big gold epee’s upon a man that’s blind. “ There is no prouder place than ’twixt the handles of the plow (Though stumpy laud has humbled me at times, I must allow), And as for human greatness, I should think I had my share If I could take the prize for hogs at our next county fair. “ Just emulate your sire, my son, and just as sure as fate, You’ll live to be respected, though perhaps you won’t be great; But enter low and five short years will clean you out so bad You’ll hev no recollection of the last square meal you had.”