Let Us All Speak Our Minds
(J.G. Maeder and William Brough)

Men tell us 'tis fit that wives should submit
To their husbands, submissively, weakly
Tho' whatever they say, their wives should obey
Unquestioning, stupidly, meekly.
Our husbands would make us their own dictum take
Without ever a wherefore or why for it,
But I don't and I can't and I won't and I shan't
No I will speak my mind if I die for it.

For we know it's all fudge to say man's the best judge
Of what should be, and shouldn't and do on,
The woman should bow, nor attempt to say how
She considers that matters should go on.
I never yet gave myself up as a slave
However my husbamd might try for it;
For I don't and I can't and I won't and I shan't
No I will speak my mind if I die for it.

note: mid 19th century
RG