Woman's Right

This poem was written by Ellen Murray, a co-founder of the Penn School on St. Helena Island in South Carolina. The poem was originally published in the National Anti-Slavery Standard on April 26, 1862.

"Last at the cross, first at the sepulchre,"
This is the woman's crown,
Not mentioned mid the crowd through which our Lord
From Olivet came down,
But when the mid-day shadow of the cross
Darkened the earth and air,
And when strong angels broke the seal of death,
Woman's true heart was there.

"Last at the cross, first at the sepulchre,"
This is the woman's praise.
She needs no other, through her watchful nights
And through her weary days.
This page is hers of all earth's history;
This science is her own,
To weep with all who suffer, and rejoice
With all whose woes are done.

"Last at the cross, first at the sepulchre,"
This is the woman's task;
She claims it as her privilege and right,
And nought beyond would ask.
Exclude her from all other toils and trusts,
But give her room to be
Where suffering moaneth for a helping hand,
Where waketh liberty.

It is a resurrection morning now,
The stone is rolled away
From Slavery's gloom; behold! Its captives come
And greet the dawn of day.
Give place for woman there, the kindly word,
The helping, willing hand
To lead their steps through the mysterious paths
Of Wisdom's wondrous land.

Stand, if ye will, in battle's foremost rank,
And keep the place of strength;
Make laws, rule nations, win the meed of fame,
And guide the world at length.
Give woman place where'er a child would learn
"Our father, in the sky,"
Where'er the darkened mind is craving light,
Where the poor for succor cry.
Ellen