Charm is the measure of attraction's power
to chain the fleeting fancy of an hour
and rival all the spell of beauty's dower.
A subtle grace of heart and mind that flows
with tactful sympathy; the sweetest rose,
if not the fairest, that the garden knows.
A quick responsiveness in word and deed,
a dignity and stateliness at need,
the will to follow or the art to lead.
She to whom this most gracious gift is known
has life's great potent factor for her own,
and rules alike the cottage and the throne.
by Louisa Carroll Thomas
