A Virtuous Woman.

Proverbs, Chap. xxxi.     A woman pure, oh, who can find?     Her price is dearer far than gold,     And greater in her husband's mind,     Than shining gems, or pearls untold.     In her he safely puts his trust,     And while her life shall last,     His welfare she shall surely seek,     His honor, holding fast.     With willing hands she works in flax,     In wool, and many other things,     And, rising early in the morn,     Her household's portion duly brings.     She buyeth fields, she planteth vines,     And girds herself to duty's round,     And far into the shades of night,     Her spindle plies with busy sound.     Her open hand, and gen'rous heart,     The poor and needy daily bless,     And in the cold her household walk,     All warmly clad in scarlet dress.     And she herself, in bright array     Of gorgeous silk and tapestries,     Brings gladness to her husband's face,     Who sits in honor 'mid the wise.     In honor and in virtue strong,     Her joy shall come in future days;     She speaks with gentleness to all;     The law of kindness guides her ways.     She governeth her household well,     And eateth not of idle bread,     Her husband gives the praise she earns,     Her children bless her worthy head.     Amid the virtuous and the good,     Of womankind she stands alone,     Unconscious of her priceless worth -     A queen on her domestic throne.