The Judgement

I heard the children talking under breath
When I had turned my back a little way - 
Winking quaintly, th[ey] asked: - "what sort of fool
Is that old gabbler? his mind must be astray".

And that is what you think of my wise words!
O children to you[r] verdict I bow here!
For children pronounce the judgements of Heaven
Hard, harsh, resolute, touched by no tear.