The Ladies' Garland

Extract from S. A. Elliot's Poem on the Improvement of Man

Man, in a rude uncivilized state, becomes more
refined by woman, and from acts of warfare, turns
his attention to arts of peace.

"As you, savage man, through flinty ways may rove,
But Woman strews with flowers the paths of love.

Man, savage man, laborious or at ease,
By woman won, will learn, or try to please;
Charmed by her matchless look, check anger rude,
And yield his heart to love and gratitude—

He must, who sees her modest, mild, and fair,
Cheer gloom, dejection, trouble, grief, and care,
Dissipate anxiety, inculcate taste,
And make toil pleasant in the howling waste;

Sees her heart, mind, and motives of employ,
Bent to inspire and charm with homebred joy:
Sees each kind glance, soft effort, wish and scheme,
Bent on one friend to merit his esteem:

Her end, her aim her course that never tires,
To merit praise from one whom she admires.

See her a mother, fond, judicious, mild;
Mark how she rears and trains th' obedient child!
Nurtures the plant till buds of reason shoot,
And moral blossoms promise glorious fruit

Hail, lov'd Woman! grac'd with gifts and powers
To raise thy sex—reform and perfect ours:

Have honor'd, cultur'd, dignified and bright,
Pure as Aurora's blush of orient light;
Instructed, gentle, virtuous, and refined—
"Heaven's last best gift, t' exalt and bless mankind."