My father, my mother, I know,
I cannot your kindness repay;
But I hope that, as older I grow,
I shall learn your commands to obey.

You loved me before I could tell
Who it was that so tenderly smiled;
But now that I know it so well,
I should be a dutiful child.

I am sorry that ever I should
Be naughty and give you a pain;
I hope I shall learn to be good,
And so never grieve you again.

But, for fear that I should dare
From all your commands to depart,
Whenever I'm saying my prayer
I'll ask for a dutiful heart.