My Son, These Maxims Make A Rule

John Barleycorn Was A Hero Bold, Of Noble Enterprise, For If You Do But Taste His Blood, 'twill Make Your Courage Rise, Twill Make A Man Forget His Wo; 'twill Heighten All His Joy.

They Never Sought In Vain That Sought The Lord Alright!

Some Rhyme A Neebor's Name To Lash; Some Rhyme (vain Thought!) For Needfu' Cash; Some Rhyme To Court The Countra Clash, An' Raise A Din; For Me, An Aim I Never Fash; I Rhyme For Fun.

Misled By Fancy's Meteor Ray, By Passion Driven; But Yet The Light That Led Astray Was Light From Heaven.

The Trout In Yonder Wimpling Burn - That Glides, A Silver Dart, - And, Safe Beneath The Shady Thorn, - Defies The Anglers Art.