Select Poetry.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 15, 6 May 1871, Page 17

Select Poetry.

A WOMAN'S ANSWER TO A MAN. Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing, Ever made by the Hand above ? A woman's heart and a woman's life— And a woman's wonderful love ? Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing As a child might ask for a toy ? Demanding what others have tried to win, With the reckless dash of a boy ? You have written my lesson of duty out— Man-like have you questioned me; Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul, Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot, Your socks and your shirts be whole; I require your heart to be true as God's stars, And pure as His heaven your soul. You require a cook for your mutton and beef, I require a far greater thing ; A seamstress you're wanting for your socks and shirts, I look for a man and a king— A king for the beautiful realm called home, And a man that the Maker G-od Shall look upon as He did on the first, And say " It is very good." I am fair and young, but the rose will fade From my soft young cheek one day— Will you lore me then 'mid the falling leaves, As you did 'inong the blooms-of May? Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep I may launch my all on its tide ? A loving woman finds weal or woe On the day she is made a bride. i I require all things that are grand and true, All things that a man should be ; If you give this all, I would stake my life To be all you demand of me. If you cannot be this—a laundress and a cook You can hire, and little to pay; But a woman's heart, and a woman's life Are not to be won that way.