What we do, “We, as women,” We have done all through our life; The work that is ours as women Is the work of mother and wife. But to elevate public opinion, And to lift up erring man, Is the work of the Human Being; Let us do it--if we can. But wait, warm-hearted sisters-- Not quite so fast, so far. Tell me how we are going to lift a thing Any higher than we are! We are going to “purify politics,” And to “elevate the press.” We enter the foul paths of the world To sweeten and cleanse and bless. To hear the high things we are going to do, And the horrors of man we tell, One would think, “We, as women,” were angels, And our brothers were fiends of hell. We, that were born of one mother, And reared in the self-same place, In the school and the church together, We of one blood, one race! Now then, all forward together! But remember, every one, That ’tis not by feminine innocence The work of the world is done. The world needs strength and courage, And wisdom to help and feed-- When, “We, as women” bring these to man, We shall lift the world indeed. GIRLS OF TO-DAY * Girls of today! Give ear! Never since time began Has come to the race of man A year, a day, an hour, So full of promise and power As the time that now is here! Never in all the lands Was there a power so great, To move the wheels of state, To lift up body and mind, To waken the deaf and blind, As the power that is in your hands! Here at the gates of gold You stand in the pride of youth, Strong in courage and truth, Stirred by a force kept back Through centuries long and black, Armed with a power threefold! First: You are makers of men! Then Be the things you preach! Let your own greatness teach! When Mothers like this you see Men will be strong and free-- Then, and not till then! Second: Since Adam fell, Have you not heard it said That men by women are led? True is the saying--true! See to it what you do! See that you lead them well. Third: You have work of your own! Maid and mother and wife, Look in the face of life! There are duties you owe the race! Outside your dwelling-place There is work for you alone! Maid and mother and wife, See your own work be done! Be worthy a noble son! Help man in the upward way! Truly, a girl today Is the strongest thing in life! WOMEN TO MEN † Dear father, from my cradle I acknowledge All your wise kindness, tender care, and love, Through days of kindergarten, school and college. Now there is one gift lacking--one above All other gifts of God, this highest trust is, The one great gift, beyond all power and pelf-- Give me my freedom, father; give me justice, That I may guard my children and myself.