Six Commandments

Unto the Troop did they come and a patch did get upon their arm. And the Scoutmaster did shake their hand. And all the troop saw and said it was good. Then there were thunderings, and lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the Scouts saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And the Scoutmaster spake unto the adult leaders and said: “Have I not seen Scouts and leaders without number? Have I not grown old in wisdom?

I seeketh only that we doeth good and no hassles have. Heed these, my commandments, for they are only six – though ten could I make, for I am the Scoutmaster of thy Troop:” Thou shalt not fret Nor shall you worry nor fuss nor trouble nor bother thy young. As he goes to and fro on the face of the earth he shall be let to breathe and live. When he maketh a mistake or doeth a deed it shall be his and not thine own. Nor shalt thou annoy, nor shall thy hover close by watching for this is an abomination to all. Thou Shalt live thine own life The life of the father is the father’s own, the life of the mother is the mother’s own and the life of the son is the son’s and the daughter is the daughter’s. Thou shalt not place upon them the mantle of thine aspirations, disappointments or shall thou maketh up for thine own mispent youth. For in thine own youth did not your mother and father do the same to your vexation? Thou shalt complain in private. If thou hast a complaint with the running of things, thou shalt speak quietly to the Scoutmaster. Thou shalt not complain to the Patrol leader, or the Senior Patrol leader, or any of the youth that do lead. Thou shalt sit upon thy hands (mostly) Except when danger draws nigh when thou shalt see the ball drop, thou shall not pick it up; thy hands must abide in stillness. Is it not the scouts who shall own their program? Thou shall have no other Scoutmaster before me Giveth the Scoutmaster his due for where thou are has he not already been? He shall lead and thou shalt follow. When he speaketh thou shalt listen, though your brow is dark and heart is hard thou shalt listen. And this too shall be the law even unto the Senior Patrol Leader. Thou shalt be a saint. How great a love has a Scout for a parent that showeth respect for his son. How glad he is when they show forth patience and bearing and wisdom in quietness. How praised is he that forgoes saying ‘I told you so’ even when it is a just and right thing to say.