Two Careers by Jennie Betts Hartswick

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 14, 1906

Two Careers

By Jennie Betts Hartswick

WHAT has she done that men should stay The jostling hurry of their way To seek with wonder-eager eyes The darkened mansion where she lies? What has she done that, far and wide, Has flashed the word that she has died— That folk in distant lands have said To one another, “She is dead”? Why should the lips of strangers raise To her a monument of praise? Ah, it was hers to conquer fame, She made a name.

And she who lies so whitely still, Untouched of joy, unvexed of ill, Has she done aught? Why, surely, no, The records of her living show No laurels won, no glory gained; No effort crowned, no height attained; In life she championed no cause; Why should the passing people pause? One little household’s narrow scope Held all her heart and all her hope, Too lowly she for fame’s high dome, She made a home.

— *Jennie Betts Hartswick, in Harper’s Bazaar.*