Classic Poem

When Kings knelt to a Maid and a Child,
In a poor place that kings could scorn,
Was Might exalted in a Maid?
Or stark Strength praised in the New-born?

Then was a babe known as Earth's Lord,
And a maid's arm was God's strong shield,
How long shall this Woman wait her reward,
The honour that her love should yield?

Upraised in Churches shrined in Art,
Ages have seen a Girl and Child.
But fullest honour is for days,
When Life and Faith are reconciled.

When Love is counted strong as Strength,
And all the tongues of service speak,
When you in council hear at length
The guardians of your mighty weak.

What splendid empire can you build?
What destiny in pride and lands,
That is not by our babes fulfilled
That is not in your woman's hands.

Now we, the guardians of your Race,
Strong to fulfill your mighty task,
Ask in your Councils for our place,
And you will give us what we ask.

When Kings knelt to a Maid and a Child,
In a poor place that kings might scorn,
Then was our pleading justified,
By that strong Mother and her New-born.