Classic Poem

Here is a story of the grand old time,
A tale of virtues tender, yet sublime,
Inscribed on sacred page to give us faith
In woman's constancy in life and death.
Here in God's Book the bright narration see,
And five brave hearts make up the history!

Adah , great Jephthah's daughter, soul of truth;
Ruth , flower of Moab, humble, pious Ruth;
Esther , the crowned, the worthiest of a crown;
Martha , His friend whom saints and angels own;
Elecia , strong the martyr's cross to bear, —
These are the heroines of the Eastern S TAR !

Fairest among ten thousand deathless names,
How altogether lovely do they glow!
Time's annals yield no brighter, nobler themes,
No purer hearts the ranks immortal show.
Come then, oh, sisters, sister-virtues trace,
And light anew from them your lamps of grace.