A GENTLEMAN

New Zealand Tablet, 8 July 1909, Page 35

A GENTLEMAN

I knew him for a gentleman By signs that never fail; His coat was rough and rather worn. His cheeks were thin and pale — A lad who had his way to make, With little time to* play, I knew him for- a gentleman By certain signs to-day. He met his mother on the street, Off came his little cap, My door was shut, he waited there "Until I heard his rap. He took his bundle from my hand, And when I dropped my pen He sprang to pick it up for me, This little gentleman. He does not push or crowd along, His voice is gently pitched; He does not fling his books about As if he were bewitched. He stands aside to let you- pass; He always shuts the door; He runs on errands willingly, To forge and mill and store. He thinks of you before himself, He serves you if he can. For in whatever company, The manners make the man. At ten and forty 'tis the same, The manner tells the tale, And I discern the gentleman By signs that never fail.