My cousin Bob was most polite; <br />He led shortsighted Mrs.bond, <br />By accident, one winters night, <br />Into a village pond, <br />Her life perhaps he might have saved, <br />But how genteelly he behaved! <br /> <br />Each time she rose and waved to him <br />He smiled and bowed and doffed his hat; <br />Though he, although i cannot swim, <br />At least i can do that- <br />And when for the fourth time she sank <br />He stood bareheaded on the bank. <br /> <br />Be civil, then to young and old; <br />Especially to persons who <br />Possess a quantity of gold <br />Which they might leave to you. <br />The more they have it seems to me, <br />The more polite you ought to be.<br /><br />Abigail Brant<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/politeness-3/
