POETRY.
TO-DAY.
WE, who are women in Ulster, what are the thoughts that we bear
Through cycles of threatening horror, through tangles of trouble and care P
We say to you, Brothers in Ulster,—we say it to all who would hear—
There's joy at the heart of our anguish, and pride that is greater than fear.
Yet we have been as our sisters, bitter with trivial things, Obedient to none but our doctors, and quick with the malice that stings.
But little she thinks of the Suffrage, or struggles for " Rights" or for power, Who sees her Man's mouth set for battle, and knows not the day nor the hour.
We've watched while you laboured and sweated ; we know you at prayer and at drill; Your backs to the scorners who smite you,—your patience, and quiet of will Your cause is the Creed that was Ridley's, your fire is of Latimer's flame ;
There were Heroes of old in the Nation, and we,—we have bred you the same I
We'll nurse you when nursing is needed ; we speed you on perilous ways ; We pray to the God of all Battles, and spread forth our hands in His praise.
And the gift that we offer is twofold,—humility strange, and strange pride,— A pride that is based on our brothers, and shame, of a self that has died! E. C.
Londonderry : March 22nd, 1914.
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