Truth –the Best

Yesterday Rebecca Mason,

           In the parlour by herself,

Broke a handsome china basin,

           Placed upon the mantelshelf.

Quite alarmed, she thought of going

          Very quietly away,

Not a single person knowing

           Of her being there that day.

But Rebecca recollected,

          She was taught deceit to shun;

And the moment she reflected,

         Told her mother what was done;

Who commended her behavior,

       Loved her better, and forgave her

                                                                                                                                                                      (Elizabeth Turner)