 | The Ingoldsby Lyrics |  |
281
To Master Edward Barham (Ætat. 8.)
August 17, 1836.
My dear little Ned,
As I fear you have read
All the books that you have, from great A down to Z,
And your aunt, too, has said
That you're very well bred,
And don't scream and yell fit to waken the dead,
I think that instead
Of that vile gingerbread
With which little boys, I know, like to be fed.
(Though lying like lead
On the stomach, the head
Gets affected, of which most mammas have a dread)
I shall rather be led
Before you to spread
These two little volumes—one blue and one red.
As three shillings have fled,
From my pocket, dear Ned,
Don't dog's-ear nor dirt them, nor read them in bed.
Your affectionate Father,
R. H. B.
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