_In the banquet hall of Progress_
_God has bidden to a feast_
_All the women in the East_.
Some have said ‘We are not ready,—
We must wait another day.’
Some, with voices clear and steady,
‘Lord, we hear, and we obey.’
Others, timid and uncertain,
Step forth trembling in the light,
Many hide behind the curtain
With their faces hid from sight.
_In the banquet hall of Progress_
_All must gather soon or late_,
_And the patient Host will wait_.
If to-day, or if to-morrow,
If in gladness, or in woe,
If with pleasure, or with sorrow,
All must answer, all must go.
They must go with unveiled faces,
Clothed in virtue and in pride.
For the Host has set their places,
And He will not he denied.