Have Courage, My Boy to Say No.

(Written by a devoted mother, to be given to her son upon his entrance into business).

You’re starting today on life’s journey, alone on the highway of life;
You’ll meet with a thousand temptations, each city with evile is rife.
This world is a stage of excitement, There’s danger wherever you go,
But if you are tempted in weakness have courage, my boy, to say no.

The Siren’s sweet smile may allure you, beward of her cunning and art.
Whenever you see her approaching, be guarded and haste to depart.
The billiard saloons are inviting decked out in their tinsel and show.
Should you be invited to enter, have courage, my boy, to say no.

Be careful in choosing companions, seek only the brave and the true,
and stand by your friends when in trial. Never changing the old from the new;
and when by false friends you are tempted, the taste of the wine cup to know.
With firmness, with patience and kindness, have courage, my boy, to say no.

The bright sparkling wine may be offered, no matter how tempting it be,
From poison that stings like an adder. My boy, have the courage to flee.
The gambling halls are before you. Their lights, how they dance to and fro;
You may be invited to enter, do have courage, my boy, to say no.

In courage alone lies your safety. When you the long journey begin,
and trust in your heavenly Father will keep you unspotted from sin.
Temptations will go on increasing as streams from a rivulet flow.
But if you are true to your manhood, you’ll have courage, my boy, and say no.