WOMANHOODShe must be honest, both in thought and deed,Of generous impulse, and above all greed;Not seeking praise, or place, or power, or pelf,But life’s best blessings for her higher self,Which means the best for all.She must have faith,To make good friends of Trouble, Pain, and Death,And understand their message.She should beAs redolent with tender sympathyAs is a rose with fragrance.CheerfulnessShould be her mantle, even though her dressMay be of Sorrow’s weaving.On her faceA loyal nature leaves its seal of grace,And chastity is in her atmosphere.Not that chill chastity which seems austere(Like untrod snow-peaks, lovely to beholdTill once attained—then barren, loveless, cold);But the white flame that feeds upon the soulAnd lights the pathway to a peaceful goal.A sense of humour, and a touch of mirth,To brighten up the shadowy spots of earth;And pride that passes evil—choosing good.All these unite in perfect womanhood.
She must be honest, both in thought and deed,Of generous impulse, and above all greed;Not seeking praise, or place, or power, or pelf,But life’s best blessings for her higher self,Which means the best for all.She must have faith,To make good friends of Trouble, Pain, and Death,And understand their message.She should beAs redolent with tender sympathyAs is a rose with fragrance.CheerfulnessShould be her mantle, even though her dressMay be of Sorrow’s weaving.On her faceA loyal nature leaves its seal of grace,And chastity is in her atmosphere.Not that chill chastity which seems austere(Like untrod snow-peaks, lovely to beholdTill once attained—then barren, loveless, cold);But the white flame that feeds upon the soulAnd lights the pathway to a peaceful goal.A sense of humour, and a touch of mirth,To brighten up the shadowy spots of earth;And pride that passes evil—choosing good.All these unite in perfect womanhood.