The Noble Woman.

A woman on an empire's throne

Has sat in queenly pride,

And swayed the sceptre of her power

O'er land and ocean wide:

A crown of gold adorned the head

That held a nation's fate,

And courtly knights and princely peers

Did on her bidding wait.

A woman too in ancient days

Has borne the warrior's brand,

And by heroic deed performed

Has saved her native land.

She too has sung inspiring songs,

And told entrancing tales;

Has softened and has swayed the mind

Where bolder genius fails.

But nobler far than throned queen,

Or heroine of fame,

Or she who by her potent pen

Has won illustrious name,

Is she who seeks the needy out,

Nor scorns the wretched's door,

But, with compassion Christlike, loves

To help the humble poor.