To ride, shoot straight and speak the truth—
This was the ancient Law for Youth.
Old times are past, old days are done;
But the law runs true—O little son!

Cf. Lord Byron, Don Juan, canto 16, st. 1 | The antique Persians taught three useful things, To draw the bow, to ride, and speak the truth. This was the mode of Cyrus, best of kings— A mode adopted since by modern youth.