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The Home Circle

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 5, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 22.

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The Home Circle.

By Mrs. L. H. Sigourney

"WHAT THEY SAY."

WOULDST thou know what troubles many, What annoys them night and day? Not a frightful myth or robber, But the specter, "What they say."
"What they say!" It haunts the maiden When the hat or dress she buys, Goads the matron till she maketh Husband's purse a sacrifice.
To the orator it clingeth, Daunts the statesman in his dream, With the pulpit-teacher stealeth 'Tween him and his highest theme.
"What they say!" Well, let them say it, Airy echo, fleet as dew, When they've breathed it, 'tis forgotten, They who hear forget it too.
Wouldst thou know what rules the million? Themis, with her ancient sway? Pomp and tramp of banner'd legions? No; the bubble, "What they say!" —Mrs. L. H. Sigourney.