A Genteel Family

Some children are so naughty,

And some are very good;

But the Genteel Family

Did always what it should.

They put on gloves when they went out,

And ran not in the street;

And on wet days not one of them

Had ever muddy feet.

Then they were always so polite,

And always thanked you so;

And never threw their toys about,

As naughty children do.

They always learnt their lessons

When it was time they should;

And liked to eat up all their crusts

They were so very good.

And then their frocks were never torn,

Their tuckers always clean;

And their hair so very tidy

Always quite fit to be seen.

Then they made calls with their mamma

And were so very neat;

And learnt to bow becomingly

When they met you in the street.

And really they were everything

That children ought to be;

And well may be examples now

For little you and me.