 | Poems |  |
44
WOMAN.
Horns to the ox; hoofs to the lordly horse;Fins to the fish; and to the timid hare,
Swift feet to speed her in her rapid course;
Wings to the merry bird to cleave the air,
And fierce teeth to the lion; unto man,
Valour and strength; such were the gifts conferr'd
By nature's hand, when woman too began
To claim her share, whom, when the goddess heard,
She smiled approving, and with beauty's charms,
Weapons more potent far than lance and shield,
Arrayed her, heedless of all other arms,
For woman's glances more victorious are
Than fire and sword, or stern array of war.
| Poems | |