My teacher says this is done well,
How glad, how proud am I!
For I shall see a joyful smile
In mother's dear kind eye.

She'll lay her hand upon my head,
And kiss my forehead too,
And whisper softly in my ear,
"Did I not tell you true?"

For when I said, "Oh dear, I can't!"
And breathed a heavy sigh,
My mother said, "Nay, do not fear;
Come, let me see you try.

"For if you will I'm very sure
It will not be in vain;
You know a hard task really learnt
Is more than double gain."

I've learned it all, and written it
Without the least mistake,
And mother said, "I am right glad
To see the pains you take."

I did not know how pleasant 'twas
To study hard before;
But now, I'm very sure, I'll ask
For easy tasks no more.