Inscription for My Little Son’s Silver Plate
When thou dost eat from off this plate,I charge thee be thou temperate;Unto thine elders at the boardDo thou sweet reverence accord;And, though to dignity inclined,Unto the serving-folk be kind;Be ever mindful of the poor,Nor turn them hungry from the door;And unto God, for health and foodAnd all that in thy life is good,Give thou thy heart in gratitude.