When thou dost eat from off this plate, <br />I charge thee be thou temperate; <br />Unto thine elders at the board <br />Do thou sweet reverence accord; <br />And, though to dignity inclined, <br />Unto the serving-folk be kind; <br />Be ever mindful of the poor, <br />Nor turn them hungry from the door; <br />And unto God, for health and food <br />And all that in thy life is good, <br />Give thou thy heart in gratitude.<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/inscription-for-my-little-son-s-silver-plate/
