You’re going out to tea today,
Be careful what you do;
Let all accounts that I shall hear,
Be pleasant ones, of you.
Don’t spill your tea, or gnaw your bread,
And don’t tease one another;
And Fanny mustn’t talk too much,
Or quarrel with her brother.
Say”if you Please,” and “Thank you,”
Come home at eight O’clock;
And Ethel, pray be careful, dear,
And do not tear your frock.
Now mind your manners, children five,
Attend to what I say;
and then perhaps, I’ll let you go,
Again, another day.
~Kate Greenaway
Isn’t it interesting how time has changed things so much. The author of the poem was a writer/illustrator born in England in 1846 who lived until 1901. Today, we introduce children to tea in a much different way. I’m so happy that contemporary moms are seeing tea as a health beverage for themselves and their children.