| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 1126. Quaker Ladies |
| | | By Ellen Mackay Hutchinson Cortissoz |
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| MORE shy than the shy violet, | |
| Hiding when the wind doth pass, | |
| Nestled in the nodding grass, | |
| With morning mist all wet, | |
| In open woodland ways | 5 |
| The Quaker Lady strays. | |
| Pale as noonday cloudlets are, | |
| Floating in the blue, | |
| This little wildwood star | |
| Blooms in light and dew. | 10 |
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| Sun and shadow on her hair, | |
| Flowers about her feet, | |
| Pale and still and sweet; | |
| As a nun all pure and fair, | |
| Through the soft spring air, | 15 |
| In the light of God | |
| Deborah walks abroad. | |
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| Her little cap it hath a grace | |
| Most demure and grave, | |
| And her kerchief’s modest lace | 20 |
| Veils the lovely wave | |
| Above her maiden heart, | |
| Where only gentle thoughts have part. | |
| Even the tying of her shoe | |
| Hath beauty in it, too, | 25 |
| A delicate, sweet art. | |
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| Hiding when the wind goes by, | |
| Not afraid, yet shy, | |
| The tiny flower takes from the sky | |
| Life’s own light and dew, | 30 |
| And its exquisite hue. | |
| And the little Quaker maid, | |
| Timidly, yet not afraid, | |
| Unfolds the sweetness of her soul | |
| To Heavenly control, | 35 |
| And wears upon her quiet face | |
| The Spirit’s tender grace. | |
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