There are children many — this child is mine;
Shall I love them all or only one?
What motherhood is the world's design?

Born of a known and honored line,
Blossom of love, an only son —
There are children many, this child is mine;

But what of the others who starve and pine,
Where no wise mother tasks are done?
What motherhood is the world's design?

Unless my baby is fair and fine
The game is lost and the race not run;
There are children many, this child is mine

Unless we love both mine and thine,
Heaven on earth can come for none —
What motherhood is the world's design?

We must care for all with a love divine;
Only so may the game be won;
There are children many — this child is mine —
Full motherhood is the world's design.