Verses Of Virtue

Compiled and Edited By Elizabeth Beall Phillips

“The time has come to sing the praises of motherhood, to extol the blessings of beautiful girlhood, and to cast a vision for hearth and home.”

--from the inside cover of Verses of Virtue

Beall Phillips has compiled a lovely book of poetry and quotes from people, famous and obscure, throughout the ages, who speak of the virtues of motherhood, home and family. I keep this book beside my tea table in the family room and whenever I have a few moments to relax, read a bit and meditate on the truths contained therein. It is encouraging and inspiring and I have written down several lines in my journal. It is also a beautifully bound hardback with a painting of “La Velita" by Raphael on the front and published by Vision Forum.

Here is a sample:

I had a Mother who read to me

Saga of pirates who scoured the sea,

Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,

“Blackbirds” stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read my lays

Of ancient and gallant and golden days;

Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,

Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales

Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,

True to his trust till his tragic death,

Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things

That wholesome life to the boy heart brings—

Stories that stir with an upward touch,

Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be—

I had a Mother who read to me.

by Strickland Gillilan

My grade for this book is...

Grading Scale

A = You MUST have this book in your library!

B= This is a very good book. Would be a nice addition to your library.

C= A straw in the haystack, but certainly NOT the needle.

D= Good fire starter.