The rights of women!

I realize this is hopelessly old-fashioned, but I'm old enough to know that this is what God intended for us ladies to be and do:

THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN
by Reverend M. Lowry
 
The rights of women! What are they? The right to labor, love and pray;
The right to weep with those who weep, the right to wake when others sleep.
The right to dry the falling tear, the right to quell the rising fear,
The right to smooth the brow of care, and whisper comfort in despair.
 
The right to watch the parting breath, to sooth and cheer the bed of death;
The right when earthly hopes all fail, to point to that within the vail.
The right the wandered to reclaim, and win the lost from paths of shame;
The right to comfort and to bless the widows and the fatherless.
 
The right the intellect to train and guide the soul to noble aim,
Teach it to rise above earth's toys, and wing its flight for heavenly joys.
The right to live for those we love, the right to die that love to prove;
The right to brighten earthly homes with pleasant smiles and gentle tones.
 
Are these thy rights?
Then use them well, thy silent influence none can tell;
If these are thine, why ask for more? Thou hast enough to answer for.
Are these thy rights? Then, murmur not that woman's mission is thy lot!

I dedicate this to our beloved Ria!