Why should I join with those in play

In whom I’ve no delight;

Who curse and swear, but never play;

Who call ill names, and fight?

I hate to hear a wanton song:

Their words offend my ears:

I should not dare defile my tongue

With language such as theirs.

Away from fools I’ll turn my eyes,

Nor with the scoffers go:

I would be walking with the wise,

That wiser I may grow.

From one rude boy, that’s used to mock,

They learn the wicked jest:

One sickly sheep infects the flock,

And poisons all the rest.

My God, I hate to walk or dwell

With sinful children here:

Then let me not be sent to hell,

Where none but sinners are.