Woman.

Woman.
BY MRS. R. B. BURLEIGH.

The white Ascension Lily our banneret should wear, 
Of right belongs to woman this symbol pure and fair,
From virgin heart of woman the world’s redeemers come.
And meekly hath she borne them in throes of martyrdom.

A martyrdom of ages her patient heart hath known,
Oppressed in soul and body, what wonder she hath grown
But slowly to the knowledge of her free and royal birth, 
Her right to stand, a peer, among the noblemen of earth.

But “being taught of God,” she has learned the truth at last,
And, conscious of her heritage, is fitting for it fast
Her level glances fall no more beneath a lordling’s frown,
Her brow is growing broad and high, and shaping for a crown,

Maternity and housewife cares are beautiful and good
When love makes pure and holy the home of womanhood;
But God alone shall guide her feet to her appointed goal,
Along the King a highway, to wealth and freedom of the soul.

No more a slave or martyr, but the free compeer of man.
No sphere imposed, no work proscribed, she may do what she can,
And thus for earth’s redemption she offers up her best
Let woman live her noblest – let the future do the rest