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English 8 Online
English 8 Online
Direction: Read the poem “Precepts for Young and Old” by William Bidwell then
answer the following task (1 & 2) below.
I’d like to speak a word with you, my bold and wayward youth!
I’d counsel you to cherish in your heart the love of truth;’
Remember! we were men, my boy, long, long ere you were born,
Have trodden long ago the path which you have yet to tread,
And now bequeath experience which may serve you when we’re dead.
I’d like to speak a word with you, brave sir, in manhood’s prime!
The world seems now your heritage, and ’tis so—for a time.
Aspire! for ’tis your birthright, but remember while you mount
You’re but a steward and some day must yield up your account.
You’re wealthy!—turn not from the poor! they share your right to live,
Or God would not have made them:—as you’ve received, so give;
Nor like the unjust creditor, seize all man’s laws allow,
You will need mercy at the last, see that you mete it now!