The Guardian’s Benediction to His
Children.
Parent of all the penny sheets, I see1
With heartfelt joy my num’rous progeny ;2
I view them all their various parts perform3
All anxious for the wish’d—the long’d Reform,4
And much I joy, to see my rising youth,5
All bravely battling in the cause of Truth.6
Attend, then, children to a parent’s voice,7
And by your deeds still make my soul rejoice ;8
Still in the path of honour nobly run,9
Until the end for which we strive is won.10
I will not chide you for your faults, for small11
And trivial errors are the lot of all.12
Still in the cause of Liberty be bold,13
And aid each other. I’m now strong and old.14
Surrouded by such sons, I cannot fear15
Their love to me will not be warm and dear.16
My blessing on you all, my children ! go,17
And boldly shield each other from the foe.18
E’en you, my son, the last of all my race,19
Within my arms shall find a fond embrace ;20
Let but your love to me, thy sire, be seen,21
And I will bless the Penny Magazine.22