Classic Poem

(A Song.)

A lady's love is gained
And held when you've attained,
True manhood which the baser things reject;
Kind sir, all evil hate,
Keep truth inviolate,
For love will die when fed on disrespect.

Chorus.

The price of disrespect,
The price of disrespect,
The price of disrespect is loss of love.
I warn you now, my friend,
Consider well the end,
The price of disrespect is loss of love.

If husband's part you play,
Or lover's, fond and gay,
Your faithfulness to duty don't neglect;
If e'er she finds it out,
That you're a case of doubt,
Her love will tremble out of disrespect.

From lofty habits choose,
Be gallant in your views,
Your reputation evermore protect;
Don't stoop to anything
That on you shame will bring,
Don't let her pay the price of disrespect.

Love's house whene'er you build,
Get workmen who are skilled;
Take honesty to be your architect;
The best of matter use,
Dishonored things refuse,
For love will flee the home of disrespect.

The future holds a claim,
So build in virtue's name,
The best of tools for building then select;
A good foundation lay,
'Twill brave a stormy day,
Love's house will fall when built on disrespect.