Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE POWER OF WOMEN, by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS Poet's Biography First Line: We wish not the mechanic arts to scan Last Line: We have the substance, they may keep the name! Alternate Author Name(s): Betham, Mary Matilda; Edwards, Matilda B.; Edwards, B. M. Subject(s): Women's Rights; Feminism | ||||||||
WE wish not the mechanic arts to scan, But leave the slavish work to selfish man! He claims alone the privilege to war, But 'tis our smiles that must reward the scar! We need not these heroic dangers brave, Who hold the laurelled conqueror a slave. We need not search the world for sordid gain, While we its proud possessors can enchain, When their pursuit is only meant to prove, How much they'd venture to deserve our love; For wealth and honours they can only prize, As making them more worthy in our eyes. Their insufficiency they would supply, And to these glittering resources fly! Let the poor boasters then indulge their pride, And think they o'er the universe preside; Let them recount their numerous triumphs o'er, And tell the tales, so often told before; Their own much-doubted merit to enhance; And gain the great reward -- a favouring glance! Let them, in bondage, fancy themselves free; And while fast fettered, vaunt their liberty! Because they do not massy chains behold, Suppose that they are monarchs uncontrolled! How vain! to hope 'twould be to them revealed The flame burns strongest that is most concealed! Then with what potent, what resistless art, Those hidden bonds are twined about the heart, So that the captive wanders unconfined, And has no sovereign but o'er his mind! The prize is mutual, either power or fame; We have the substance, they may keep the name! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD HEMATITE HEIRLOOM LIVES ON (MAYBE DECEMBER 1980) by ALICE NOTLEY ON THE BEACH by CLARIBEL ALEGRIA FEMINIST POEM NUMBER ONE by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER HYPOCRITE SWIFT by LOUISE BOGAN FOR A GODCHILD, REGINA, ON THE OCCASION OF HER FIRST LOVE by TOI DERRICOTTE HESTER'S SONG by TOI DERRICOTTE A CHILD'S PRAYER [OR, HYMN] by MATILDA BARBARA BETHAM-EDWARDS |
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