Fidelity and innocence are found
Only in children; afterwards they bothTake flight or e’er the cheeks with down are covered.
One, while he prattles still, observes the fasts,Who, when his tongue is loosed, forthwith devoursWhatever food under whatever moon;
Another, while he prattles, loves and listensUnto his mother, who when speech is perfectForthwith desires to see her in her grave.
Even thus is swarthy made the skin so whiteIn its first aspect of the daughter fairOf him who brings the morn, and leaves the night.
Thou, that it may not be a marvel to thee,Think that on earth there is no one who governs;Whence goes astray the human family.