Here is a friend, my little man, A friend who's "square" and brave and true; Who pleases you whene'er he can, And never bears a grudge to you; Who patient waits your hand and lip— This dog, with eyes that plead and plan Your welcome and companionship; Here is a friend, my little man. And here are friends of noble mien, Who need your voice to speak their cause, Your strong right arm, to shield and screen From ignorance of God's true laws; Protect the horses, boy, that strain And toil and patient bear their load; Without their aid, man's work were vain; Protect them, boy, from whip and goal. Protect each creature God hath blessed With your companionship and care; "The bravest are the tenderest," And only they who love will dare The battle for God's creatures dumb; 'Tis yours, my soldier small, to fight; Hail to you, then, where'er you come! Hail to you, little generous knight! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THE OLD GREY MARE by MOTHER GOOSE THE SISTER AT A MATERNITY HOSPITAL by R. ALEXANDER BATE ON FRIENDS AND FOES by WILLIAM BLAKE THE DOG-WATCH by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD SHABBY OLD DAD by ANNE CAMPBELL GOD SAVE THE KING by HENRY CAREY (1687-1743) |