1 Be kind to thy father, for when thou wert young
Who loved thee so fondly as he?
He caught the first accents which fell from thy tongue,
And join'd in thy innocent glee.
Be kind to thy mother, for lo! on her brow,
May traces of sorrow be seen!
O well mayst thou cherish and comfort her now,
for loving and kind hath she been.

2 Be kind to thy brother,--his heart will have dearth
If the smile of thy love be withdrawn;
The flowers of feeling will fade at their birth
If the dew of affection be gone,
Be kind to thy sister, not many may know
The depth of true sisterly love,
The wealth of the ocean lies fathoms below
The surface that sparkles above.

3 Be kind to thy teacher, the burden she bears
Is wearing her spirits away.
No price for her labors so precious appears
As the kindness she meets day by day.
Be kind to thy schoolmates, not long canst thou be
With schoolmates to study, or play;
Thy kindness will make thee more happy and free
When school-pleasures vanish away.