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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1857 Excerpt:...was married to Ethelred, the governor of Mercia, she built several cities, and upon all occasions displayed a statesman's skill, and an Amazonian activity. Turner, book v. chap. v. p. 125. She became a widow in 912; but she continued in the sovereignty of Mercia, and displayed great warlike activity.--Ibid. chap. vi. p. 166. ESOLUTE in act and purpose, Stout of heart, of counsel sage, Wisest of the Saxon ladies, Of a not-unletter'd age; Faction quailing fled before her, Foemen own'd her conquering hand, At her bidding town and fortress Rose, the bulwarks of the land. Such the praise on Ethelfleda That a grateful age confers, For the virtues of her manhood, And the praise is justly hers: In the temple of her greatness There are niches vacant still, Yearning for the softer graces Of her womanhood to fill. We have sages for our councils, Sages of the tongue and pen; We have warriors for our battles, Warriors from the ranks of men: There is that in woman's nature, Which our souls more dearly prize, Gentle looks, and sweet persuasion, Feeling hearts, and loving eyes. Not beyond the line of duty Which the hand of God did trace, In his infinite discernment, Shall we find our proper place; Not by breaking through the system Of his providential plan, Shall we best set forth his glory, And promote the good of man. He who clothed the oak with hardness To resist the wintry hours, He who gave the grass its freshness, And their fragrance to the flowers, He who holdeth all creation In his excellent control, Grace and vigour, scent and beauty, Tissued in one perfect whole, Hath appointed man and woman In their own peculiar sphere, This to strengthen, that to soften, This to struggle, that to cheer; Nor without its special merit, May the lowlier path be trod, For " a m...