"Oh! I've got a plum cake,
And a feast let us make,
Come, school-fellows, come at my call;
I assure you 'tis nice,
And we'll each have a slice,
Here's more than enough for us all."
Thus said little Jack,
As he gave it a smack,
And sharpen'd his knife for the job!
While round him a troop,
Formed a clamorous group,
And hail'd him the king of the mob.
With masterly strength
He cut thro' it at length,
And gave to each playmate a share;
Dick, William, and James,
And many more names,
Partook of his benevolent care.
And when it was done,
And they'd finish'd their fun,
To marbles or hoop they went back,
And each little boy
Felt it always a joy
To do a good turn for good Jack.
In his task and his book,
His best pleasures he took,
And as he thus wisely began,
Since he's been a man grown,
He has constantly shown
That a good boy will make a good man.