AND has my darling told a lie? <br />Did she forget that GOD was by? <br />That GOD, who saw the things she did, <br />From whom no action can be hid; <br />Did she forget that GOD could see <br />And hear, wherever she might be? <br /> <br />He made your eyes, and can discern <br />Whichever way you think to turn; <br />He made your ears, and he can hear <br />When you think nobody is near; <br />In every place, by night or day, <br />He watches all you do and say. <br /> <br />Oh, how I wish you would but try <br />To act, as shall not need a lie; <br />And when you wish a thing to do, <br />That has been once forbidden you, <br />Remember that, nor ever dare <br />To disobey, for GOD is there. <br /> <br />Why should you fear the truth to tell? <br />Does falsehood ever do so well? <br />Can you be satisfied to know, <br />There's something wrong to hide below? <br />No! let your fault be what it may, <br />To own it is the happy way. <br /> <br />So long as you your crime conceal, <br />You cannot light and gladsome feel: <br />Your little heart will seem oppress'd, <br />As if a weight were on your breast; <br />And e'en your mother's eye to meet, <br />Will tinge your face with shame and heat. <br /> <br />Yes, GOD has made your duty clear, <br />By every blush, by every fear; <br />And conscience, like an angel kind, <br />Keeps watch to bring it to your mind: <br />Its friendly warnings ever heed, <br />And neither tell a lie nor need.<br /><br />Ann Taylor<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-a-little-girl-that-has-told-a-lie/
