You First - A poem by John Edward Everett

"You First"

In courtly days of old,
When knights were trim and sightly,
And well knew how to be gallant,
And always did politely,

A graceful act it was
Of gentle knights, well versed,
When at a door with ladies fair.
To halt while they went first.

Long past those knightly days,
In dark-age gloom immersed,
But to the lady still we bow,
And let her pass on first.

But now a meaning new
This ancient act embraces,
Since we have learned that woman has
Superior gifts and graces.

We say "You first" to her
At many doors today,
Because we know her fit to lead
And show to man the way.

At doors that upward lead
Must men, henceforth, though sages,
To women, with their finer gifts,
Say "You first" down the ages.