You cannot rob us of the rights we cherish,
We claim to dwell, in quiet and seclusion,
Not in a dreamy and inane abstraction
As humble plants by country hedgerows growing,
So let us, unobtrusive and unnoticed,
To live, unknown beyond the cherished circle,
Nor turn our thoughts away
From the bright picture of a "Woman's Mission"
Our hearts portray.
Beneath the household roof,
From the great world's harsh strife, and jarring voices,
To stand aloof;
To sleep our life away,
But, gathering up the brightness of home sunshine,
To deck our way.
That treasure up the rain,
And yield in odours, ere the day's declining,
The gift again;
But happy none the less,
Be privileged to fill the air around us
With happiness;
Which we can bless and aid;
To die, and not a heart that does not love us
Know where we're laid.