Page:The black man - his antecedents, his genius, and his achievements (IA blackmanantecede00browrich).pdf/170

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No marvel, then, these bitter shrieks
  Disturb the listening air;
She is a mother, and her heart
  Is breaking in despair.

Miss Watkins's advice to her own sex on the selection of a husband should be appreciated by all.

Nay, do not blush! I only heard
  You had a mind to marry;
I thought I'd speak a friendly word;
  So just one moment tarry.

Wed not a man whose merit lies
  In things of outward show,
In raven hair or flashing eyes,
  That please your fancy so.

But marry one who's good and kind,
  And free from all pretence;
Who, if without a gifted mind,
  At least has common sense.

Miss Watkins is about thirty years of age, of a fragile form, rather nervous, keen and witty in conversation, outspoken in her opinions, and yet appears in all the simplicity of a child.