Inscription for My Little Son's Silver Plate

When thou dost eat from off this plate,

I charge thee be thou temperate;

Unto thine elders at the board

Do thou sweet reverence accord;

And, though to dignity inclined,

Unto the serving-folk be kind;

Be ever mindful of the poor,

Nor turn them hungry from the door;

And unto God, for health and food

And all that in thy life is good,

Give thou thy heart in gratitude.