The Home Circle | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 12, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 11.

The Home Circle.

BE A WOMAN.

Oft I've heard a gentle mother, As the twilight hours began, Pleading with a son on duty, Urging him to be a man. But unto her blue-eyed daughter, Though with love's words quite as ready, Points she out the other duty— "Strive, my dear, to be a lady."

What's a lady? Is it something Made of hoops and silks and airs Used to decorate the parlor Like the fancy rugs and chairs? Is it one that wastes on novels Every feeling that is human? If 'tis this to be a lady, 'Tis not this to be a woman.

Mother then, unto your daughter Speak of something higher far Than to be mere fashion's lady— "Woman" is the brightest star. If you, in your strong affection, Urge your son to be a true man, Urge your daughter no less strongly To arise and be a woman.

Yes a woman! brightest model Of that high and perfect beauty, Where the mind and soul and body Blend to work out life's great duty. Be a woman, naught is higher On the gilded crest of fame; On the catalogue of virtue There's no brighter, holier name. —Sel.