Just Folks

Bribed

          I know that what I did was wrong;
            I should have sent you far away.
          You tempted me, and I'm not strong;
            I tried but couldn't answer nay.
          I should have packed you off to bed;
            Instead I let you stay awhile,
          And mother scolded when I said
            That you had bribed me with your smile.

          And yesterday I gave to you
            Another piece of chocolate cake,
          Some red-ripe watermelon, too,
            And that gave you the stomach ache.
          And that was after I'd been told
            You'd had enough, you saucy miss;
          You tempted me, you five-year-old,
            And bribed me with a hug and kiss.

          And mother said I mustn't get
            You roller skates, yet here they are;
          I haven't dared to tell her yet;
            Some time, she says, I'll go too far.
          I gave my word I wouldn't buy
            These things, for accidents she fears;
          Now I must tell, when questioned why,
            Just how you bribed me with your tears.

          I've tried so hard to do the right,
            Yet I have broken every vow.
          I let you do, most every night,
            The things your mother won't allow.
          I know that I am doing wrong,
            Yet all my sense of honor flies,
          The moment that you come along
            And bribe me with those wondrous eyes.