(OR, WHAT SHOULD A MAIDEN BE?)


[NOTE.--The following lines were written by request,
to be read at a Meeting of the "Girls' Friendly Society."]


What should a maiden be? Pure as the rill,
Ere it has left its first home in the hill;
Thinking no evil, suspecting no guile,
Cherishing nought that can harm or defile.

What should a maiden be? Honest and true,
Giving to God and to neighbour their due;
Modest and merciful, simple and neat,
Clad in the white robe of innocence sweet.

What should a maiden be? She should be loath
Lightly to give or receive loving troth;
But when her faith is once plighted, till breath
Leave her, her love should be stronger than death.

What should a maiden be? Merry, whene'er
Merriment comes with a natural air;
But let not mirth be an every-day guest,
Quietness sits on a maiden the best.

Like a fair lily, sequestered and meek,
She should be sought for, not others should seek;