XIV + 

Martha + 

With joyful pride her heart is high: + 

Her humble house doth hold + 

The man her nation’s prophecy + 

Long ages hath foretold! + 

Poor, is he? Yes, and lowly born: + 

Her woman-soul is proud + 

To know and hail the coming morn + 

Before the eyeless crowd. + 

At her poor table will he eat? + 

He shall be served there + 

With honour and devotion meet + 

For any king that were! + 

’Tis all she can; she does her part, + 

Profuse in sacrifice; + 

Nor dreams that in her unknown heart + 

A better offering lies. + 

But many crosses she must bear; + 

Her plans are turned and bent; + 

Do what she can, things will not wear + 

The form of her intent. + 

With idle hands and drooping lid, + 

See Mary sit at rest! + 

Shameful it was her sister did + 

No service for their guest! + 

Dear Martha, one day Mary’s lot + 

Must rule thy hands and eyes; + 

Thou, all thy household cares forgot, + 

Must sit as idly wise! + 

But once more first she set her word + 

To bar her master’s ways, + 

Crying, “By this he stinketh, Lord, + 

He hath been dead four days!” + 

Her housewife-soul her brother dear + 

Would fetter where he lies! + 

Ah, did her buried best then hear, + 

And with the dead man rise? + 