Slovenly Peter

When the children gentle be

When the children gentle be,

Then the Christchild they shall see;

If they eat their soup and yet

Still their bread they don't forget,

Handle silently their toys,

Taking pains to make no noise,

And when a pleasure-walk is planned,

Let Mother lead them by the hand,

For every blessing they may look,

And get, besides, a Picture Book.

by Heinrich Hoffman.