For they the Royal-hearted Women are

Who nobly love the noblest, yet have grace

For needy, suffering lives in lowliest place;

Carrying a choicer sunlight in their smile,

The heavenliest ray that pitieth the vile.


Though I were happy, throned beside the king,

I should be tender to each little thing

With hurt warm breast, that had no speech to tell

Its inward pangs; and I would soothe it well