XIII.—Against Evil Company.
1Why should I join with those in ⟨play⟩
in whom I've no delight,
Who curse and swear, but never pray
who call ill names, and fight.
2I hate to hear a wanton song;
their words offend my ears;
I should not dare defile my tongue
with language such as theirs.
3Away from fools I'll turn my eyes,
nor with the scoffers go;
I would be walking with the wise,
that wiser I may grow.
4From one rude boy that's used to mock,
ten learn the wicked jest;
One sickly sheep infects the flock,
and poisons all the rest.
5My God, I hate to walk or dwell
with sinful children here;
Then let me not be sent to hell,
where none but sinners are.