The Noble Woman.

A woman on an empire's throne             Has sat in queenly pride,         And swayed the sceptre of her power             O'er land and ocean wide:         A crown of gold adorned the head             That held a nation's fate,         And courtly knights and princely peers             Did on her bidding wait.         A woman too in ancient days             Has borne the warrior's brand,         And by heroic deed performed             Has saved her native land.         She too has sung inspiring songs,             And told entrancing tales;         Has softened and has swayed the mind             Where bolder genius fails.         But nobler far than thrond queen,             Or heroine of fame,         Or she who by her potent pen             Has won illustrious name,         Is she who seeks the needy out,             Nor scorns the wretched's door,         But, with compassion Christlike, loves             To help the humble poor.