Our babes shall richest comforts bring; We'll form their minds, with studious care, Then hand in hand, through life we'll go ; With cautious steps we'll tread; Quit its vain scenes without a tear, Without a trouble or a fear, And mingle with the dead. Religion, like a faithful friend, And smooth the bed of death. TRUE WOMANHOOD. 127 TRUE WOMANHOOD. HE was a phantom of delight When first she gleamed upon my sight; To be a moment's ornament; Her eyes are stars of twilight fair; But all things else about her drawn From May-time and the cheerful dawn; A dancing shape, an image gay, To haunt, to startle, and waylay. I saw her upon nearer view, A spirit, yet a woman too! Her household motions light and free, A countenance in which did meet of spoil. HO can find a birtuous woman? for her price is far abobe rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need She will do him good and not ebil all the days of her life. She secketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters habe done birtuously, but thou excellest them all. Fabour is deceitful, and beauty is bain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs xxxi. 10-13, 29, 25-30. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs xxxi. 10, 28. R |