A child is tiny, helpless when he leaves the womb,
unable to fulfil his slightest wish or need;
and by himself as dead as any corpse in tomb,
unable even cogently for help to plead.
A child is good; but not yet what he may still be,
and in his growth and aging there is strength and grace;
in prime of manhood everyone longs him to see,
not puling, e'er an infant, helpless, in disgrace.
For youth's a land we all inevitably leave
when we are grown and ready to be good and free.
Why frailty, foolishness of youth seek to retrieve,
when living well from both will grant us fair reprieve?
