S. BROOKS
PREFACE.
In these progressive days, when so much energy and discussion are
devoted to what is termed equality and the rights of woman, it is
well to remember that there have been in the distant past women,
and girls even, who by their actions and endeavors proved
themselves the equals of the men of their time in valor,
shrewdness, and ability.
This volume seeks to tell for the girls and boys of to-day the
stories of some of their sisters of the long-ago,--girls who by
eminent position or valiant deeds became historic even before
they had passed the charming season of girlhood.
Their stories are fruitful of varying lessons, for some of these
historic girls were wilful as well as courageous, and mischievous
as well as tender-hearted.
But from all the lessons and from all the morals, one truth
stands out most clearly--the fact that age and country, time and
surroundings, make but little change in the real girl-nature,
that has ever been impulsive, trusting, tender, and true, alike
in the days of the Syrian Zenobia and in those of the modern
American school-girl.
After all, whatever the opportunity, whatever the limitation,
whatever the possibilities of this same never-changing
girl-nature, no better precept can be laid down for our own
bright young maidens, as none better can be deduced from the
stories herewith presented, than that phrased in Kingsley's noble
yet simple verse:
"Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever
Do noble things, not dream them, all day long
And so make life, death, and the vast forever
One grand, sweet song.
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