“Woman, how divine your mission
Here upon our natal sod!
Keep, oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother-love impearled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

–third stanza of “What Rules the World,” by William Ross Wallace, reprinted in a newly released treasury of poems, quotations, and readings to celebrate birth called “Bless This Child,” collected by Edward Searl.