A Song from the Suds

by Louisa May Alcott

　　Her mother's rules for her guidance, that she never lost sight of, were:

　　1. Rule yourself.

　　2. Love your neighbor.

　　3. Do the duty which lies nearest you.

　　Queen of my tub, I merrily sing, While the white foam rises high, And sturdily wash, and rinse, and wring, And fasten the clothes to dry; Then out in the free fresh air they swing, Under the sunny sky. I wish we could wash from our hearts and our souls The stains of the week away, And let water and air by their magic make Ourselves as pure as they; Then on the earth there would be indeed A glorious washing-day! Along the path of a useful life Will heart's-ease ever bloom; The busy mind has no time to think Of sorrow, or care, or gloom; And anxious thoughts may be swept away As we busily wield a broom. I am glad a task to me is given To labor at day by day; For it brings me health, and strength, and hope, And I cheerfully learn to say,– "Head, you may think; heart, you may feel; But hand, you shall work alway!"