"When shall I be a man?" he said,
          As I was putting him to bed.
          "How many years will have to be
          Before Time makes a man of me?
          And will I be a man when
          I am grown up big?
 
          I heaved a sigh,
          Because it called for careful thought
          To give the answer that he sought.
          And so I sat him on my knee,
          And said to him: "A man you'll be
 
          When you have learned that honor brings
          More joy than all the crowns of kings;
          That it is better to be true
          To all who know and trust in you
          Than all the gold of earth to gain
          If winning it shall leave a stain.
 
          "When you can fight for victory sweet,
          Yet bravely swallow down defeat,
          And cling to hope and keep the right,
          Nor use deceit instead of might;
 
          When you are kind and brave and clean,
          And fair to all and never mean;
          When there is good in all you plan,
          That day, my boy, you'll be a man.
 
          "Some of us learn this truth too late;
          That years alone can't make us great;
          That many who are three-score, ten
          Have fallen short of being men,
 
          Because in selfishness they fought
          And toiled without refining thought;
          And whether wrong or whether right
          They lived but for their own delight.
 
         "When you have learned that you must hold
          Your honor dearer far than gold;
          That no ill-gotten wealth or fame
          Can pay you for your tarnished name;
 
          And when in all you say or do
          Of others you're considerate, too,
          Content to do the best you can
          By such a creed, you'll be a man."
 

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