790

Nature – the gentlest mother is,
Impatient of no child –
the feeblest – or the waywardest –
Her admonition mild –

In forest – and the hill –
By traveller – be heard –
Restraining rampant squirrel –
Or too impetuous bird –

How fair her conversation –
A summer afternoon –
Her household – her assembly
And when the sun go down –

Her voice among the aisles
Incite the timid prayer
Of the minutest cricket –
The most unworthy flower –

when all the children sleep –
She turns as long away
As will suffice to light her lamps
Then bending from the sky –

with infinite affection –
And infinite care –
Her golden finger on her lip –
Wills silence – everywhere –

circa 1863
The 19th century, wise women, susan cahill editor