My parents sleep both in one grave; br My only friend's a brother. br The dearest things upon the earth br We are to one another. br br br A fine stout boy I knew him once, br With active form and limb; br Whene'er he leaped, or jumped, or ran, br O I was proud of him! br br br He leaped too far, he got a hurt, br He now does limping go.- br When I think on his active days, br My heart is full of woe. br br br He leans on me, when we to school br Do every morning walk; br I cheer him on his weary way, br He loves to hear my talk: br br br The theme of which is mostly this, br What things he once could do. br He listens pleased-then sadly says, br 'Sister, I lean on you.' br br br Then I reply, 'Indeed you're not br Scarce any weight at all.- br And let us now still younger years br To memory recall. br br br 'Led by your little elder hand, br I learned to walk alone; br Careful you used to be of me, br My little brother John. br br br 'How often, when my young feet tired, br You've carried me a mile!- br And still together we can sit, br And rest a little while. br br br 'For our kind master never minds, br If we're the very last; br He bids us never tire ourselves br With walking on too fast.