"The women, restive 'neath our rule,
Would learn to scorn our name,
And from her deed to us would come
Reproach and burning shame.

"Then, gracious King, sign with thy hand
This stern but just decree,


THANK GOD FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 47

That Vashti lay aside her crown,
Thy Queen no more to be."

She heard again the King's command,
And left her high estate;
Strong in her earnest womanhood,
She calmly met her fate,

And left the palace of the King,
Proud of her spotless name--
A woman who could bend to grief,
But would not bow to shame.



THANK GOD FOR LITTLE CHILDREN.

Thank God for little children,
Bright flowers by earth's wayside,