Ella Wheeler Wilcox (Элла Уилкокс)
Were I Man Grown
Were I man grown, I'd stand With clean heart, soul, and hand, An honor to this land. I would be good and true. I would not smoke and chew As many grown men do. Tobacco is foul stuff. Hogs root it from the trough, And serve it right enough. I wish I'd every seed And plant of that bad weed, I'd make a fire indeed! And these two lips of mine Should never taste of wine, Though it might glow and shine. No wine, no beer, no gin, No ale, no rum--within Each drink lurk shame and sin. And I'd not swear. Ah! when We boys grow into men, You'll see true manhood then. For we shall be and do Just what I've said; and you Had better try it, too.
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