Why should they not be early taught to know The dire effects from alcohol that flow, As well as the right use of generous food. And well-timed exercise to cleanse the blood. To trace th' effects that flow from every cause: With ventilation's most important laws, Of cleanliness of mind and person too, And strict exactitude in all they do, And to breathe through their nostrils, meant to be Their ever ready respirator free: To masticate, not bolt their food, and try To learn themselves, and know the reason why. Thus being early taught, in after life They might be better armoured for the strife Of fierce temptations, which, when conquered, can Strengthen and elevate the inner man, For soon or later each is bound to learn, That every talent must make fair return, To Him who mercifully gave its use, For joyful happiness, and not abuse. There are three sanitary agents given To mankind, by the gracious God of heaven, Freely and without stint, for all who choose These blessed ministers of His to use. These agents blest are, water, light and air, Abundantly provided everywhere, Flowing so freely o'er the outstretched earth, That man has scarcely yet discerned their worth. The wind is earth's great ventilating force, Water the cleansing, purifying course, Light the awakening, stimulating power, To nature as to man Heaven's priceless dower. Important lessons they each hourly teach, Which every creature has within his reach, For the same laws that nature's rule apply To every member of God's family, Bringing stern punishment for every cause Involved in disobeying His great laws. All honour to the band of pioneers, Who nobly fought 'midst opposition sneers T' establish sanitary laws, through all Our towns and cities, for the great and small, So that preventable disease might be Assaulted, and stamped out effectually, And that diseases which perforce remain Might fuller scientific treatment claim; And, thanks to Heaven, the fight was not in vain, For their wise teaching was so simple, plain, That thousands were induced to join th' affray And aid the righteous scheme to win the day, So that a large share of the nation's wealth