I know that what I did was wrong; <br />I should have sent you far away. <br />You tempted me, and I'm not strong; <br />I tried but couldn't answer nay. <br />I should have packed you off to bed; <br />Instead I let you stay awhile, <br />And mother scolded when I said <br />That you had bribed me with your smile. <br />And yesterday I gave to you <br />Another piece of chocolate cake, <br />Some red-ripe watermelon, too, <br />And that gave you the stomach ache. <br />And that was after I'd been told <br />You'd had enough, you saucy miss; <br />You tempted me, you five-year-old, <br />And bribed me with a hug and kiss. <br />And mother said I mustn't get <br />You roller skates, yet here they are; <br />I haven't dared to tell her yet; <br />Some time, she says, I'll go too far. <br />I gave my word I wouldn't buy <br />These things, for accidents she fears; <br />Now I must tell, when questioned why, <br />Just how you bribed me with your tears. <br />I've tried so hard to do the right, <br />Yet I have broken every vow. <br />I let you do, most every night, <br />The things your mother won't allow. <br />I know that I am doing wrong, <br />Yet all my sense of honor flies, <br />The moment that you come along <br />And bribe me with those wondrous eyes.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/bribed/
