Lit2Go

She dwells by Great Kenhawa’s side,
   In valleys green and cool;
And all her hope and all her pride
   Are in the village school.

Her soul, like the transparent air
   That robes the hills above,
Though not of earth, encircles there
   All things with arms of love.

And thus she walks among her girls
   With praise and mild rebukes;
Subduing e’en rude village churls
   By her angelic looks.

She reads to them at eventide
   Of one who came to save;
To cast the captive’s chains aside
   And liberate the slave.

And oft the blessed time foretells
   When all men shall be free;
And musical, as silver bells,
   Their falling chains shall be.

And following her beloved Lord,
   In decent poverty,
She makes her life one sweet record
   And deed of charity.

For she was rich, and gave up all
   To break the iron bands
Of those who waited in her hall,
   And labored in her lands.

Long since beyond the Southern Sea
   Their outbound sails have sped,
While she, in meek humility,
   Now earns her daily bread.

It is their prayers, which never cease,
   That clothe her with such grace;
Their blessing is the light of peace
   That shines upon her face.