She lived with honest parents
In a home on the mountain side,
Where peace and plenty lingered
And love was true and tried.
Parental duress was unknown,
For love's restraints are mild:
A mother's love and father's hope
Were centered in this child.
The acknowledged belle of the mountain,
She spurned the coquette's art,
Determining never to promise
Her hand without her heart.
She could not love her suitors
With the love a wife should give,
And deemed it sin without such love
In wedlock's bonds to live.
The idol of many a noble heart,
None dared their suit to press:
Thus they wound the gentle spirit
That pitied, but could not bless.