The writings of John Greenleaf Whittier, Volume 4.
John Greenleaf Whittier, Ed.

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[209] And prompt in duty; heed the deep,
     Low voice of conscience; through the ill
And discord round about you, keep
     Your faith in human nature still.

Be gentle: unto griefs and needs,
     Be pitiful as woman should,
And, spite of all the lies of creeds,
     Hold fast the truth that God is good.

Give and receive; go forth and bless
     The world that needs the hand and heart
Of Martha's helpful carefulness
     No less than Mary's better part.

So shall the stream of time flow by
     And leave each year a richer good,
And matron loveliness outvie
     The nameless charm of maidenhood.

And, when the world shall link your names
     With gracious lives and manners fine,
The teacher shall assert her claims,
     And proudly whisper, ‘These were mine!’