The Ape and Her Young Ones

An ape had cubs; one much she lov’d,

The other small affection prov’d.

Alarm’d, she hears the hunter’s cries;

And catching up her darling flies:

Through fear she stumbled o’er some stones

And broke the little favorite’s bones;

The other to her back who clung

Uninjured went with her along.

Mothers, beware! the fondl’d child

By too much tenderness is spoil’d;

While those who hardships have endur’d,

To suffer life are best inur’d.