My father, my mother, I know,

I cannot your kindness repay;

But I hope that, as older I grow,

I shall learn your commands to obey.

You loved me before I could tell

Who it was that so tenderly smiled;

But now that I know it so well,

I should be a dutiful child.

I am sorry that ever I should

Be naughty and give you a pain;

I hope I shall learn to be good,

And so never grieve you again.

But, for fear that I should dare

From all your commands to depart,

Whenever I'm saying my prayer

I'll ask for a dutiful heart.