The oldest university was not on India's strand,

Nor in the valley of the Nile, nor on Arabia's sand;

From time's beginning it has taught and still it teaches free

It’s learning mild to every child -- the school of Mother's knee.

The oldest school to teach the law, and teach it deeply, too,

Dividing what should not be done from what each one should do,

Was not in Rome nor Ispahan nor by the Euxine Sea;

But it held its sway ere history's day -- the school of mother's knee.

The oldest seminary, where theology was taught,

Where love to God, and reverent prayer, and the Eternal Ought

Were deep impressed on youthful hearts in pure sincerity,

Came to the earth with Abel's birth -- the school of Mother's knee.

The oldest, and the newest, too, it still maintains its place,

And from its classes, ever full, it graduates the race.

Without its teaching, where would all the best of living be?

'Twas planned by heaven this earth to leaven -- the school of Mother's knee.