Classic Poem

I own I love the boundless sway
To woman's gentle spirit given
It cheers life's dull and dreary way
And smooths the path to hell or heaven.

And she too, in her joys and woes
Such is great Nature's mingled plan
Seeks in her turn support — repose —
Affection — Confidence — from man.

The son upon his mother's heart
In all his boyish cares relies,
In every grief she bears a part
And every little want supplies.

The daughter in her sire's embrace
Feels of her wildest whim secure,
How could he frown on such a face
Or chide a thing so sweet — so pure?

Of mutual hearts — maturer years
Marriage, and love — I will not sing
Most know — or may — their smiles and tears
Hopes, Joys, " and all that sort of thing. "

But even in Piety, love shares,
Men's orisons Madonnas claim,
While Joseph hears most female prayers
Or would — but for his luckless name.