{Woman's Mission}

I never wished to be a queen,
     To wear the robes of state,
Or have my name enrolled among
     The famous or the great.

I never cared for "woman's rights,"
     Nor ever had a fear,
But that if woman sought, sh'd find
     Her own, her proper sphere.

I know that woman's missions' great,
     Yet comprehends the small,
The tiny, trifling things of life,
     Important to us all.

In this, true woman finds her sphere,
     Her happiness complete,
In loving, helping, blessing all
     With whom she chance to meet.

What need for her of Congress' halls,
     Or legislative cares,
The promptings of her woman's soul,
     Is all the law she hears.

The law of love implanted there,
     By our great Parent's hand,
If not perverted, safely guides,
     Woman in every land.

I wish I had the power to write,
     Woman to vindicate,
To tell her true nobility,
     E'en in this fallen state.

I never wished for wealth or fame,
     For I have understood,
How poor and valueless are these,
     Compared with being good.

               ~Hannah Last Cornaby
               b. March 17, 1822, Beccles, Suffolk England
               d. Sept. 1, 1905