William Wordsworth

To the Sons of Burns

   ADDRESS TO THE SONS OF BURNS
After visiting their Father's Grave.
       (August 14th, 1803)

Ye now are panting up life's hill!
'Tis twilight lime of good and ill,
And more than common strength and skill
            Must ye display
If ye would give the better will
            Its lawful sway.

Strong-bodied if ye be to bear
Intemperance with less harm, beware!
But if your Father's wit ye share,
            Then, then indeed,
Ye Sons of Burns! for watchful care
            There will be need.

For honest men delight will take
To shew you favor for his sake,
Will flatter you; and Fool and Rake
            Your steps pursue:
And of your Father's name will make
            A snare for you.

Let no mean hope your souls enslave;
Be independent, generous, brave!
Your Father such example gave,
            And such revere!
But be admonish'd by his Grave,—
            And think, and fear!