"Large streams from little fountains flow--
Tall oaks from little acorns grow?"
And do not the "small beginnings" of instruction lay the foundation of
man's or woman's character?
The following lines are a solemn admonition against this sin, spoken by
one who had committed it and fallen under its terrible punishment:--
"My sin, Ismenus, has wrought all this ill;
And I beseech thee to be warned by me,
And do not lie, if any man should ask thee
But how thou dost, or what o'clock 'tis now;
Be sure thou do not lie, make no excuse
For him that is most near thee; never let
The most officious falsehood 'scape thy tongue;
For they above (that are entirely Truth)
Will make the seed which thou hast sown of lies
Yield miseries a thousandfold
Upon thine head, as they have done on mine."