Classic Poem

Dear Boy! when I do look into thy face
Glittering with sunny thoughts, I fain would bless
Thee for thy beauty and thy boyishness,
For the fair brow youth crowns with freshest grace,
For the light spirits and the humors wild,
Wherewith my sadness is infected so
That years drop off me, and dull thoughts forego

A reign which o'er my heart hath not been mild.
Yea, for all this I bless thee; but a part
More grave and stern is mine, for they commit
To my safe charge, young boy! thy merry heart,
So gentle one hard word hath wounded it.
Oh thou shalt hear no more hard words from me,
But, when thou sin'st, my prayers shall set thee free.