THE PARLIAMENT OF WOMEN. 211

Blep. “Yes, indeed, witnesses or no witnesses.”

Chr. “They didn’t inform against each other, nor
prosecute, nor plot against the people: all this and
other things too he said about the women.”

Blep. “Well, what was the end of: it all?” -

_ Chr. “It was determined to hand over the man-
agement of affairs to them. You see, this is the only
thing that has never been tried in Athens.” |

Blep. “You mean that the law passed?” .

Chr. “Yes.” : es

Blep. “That the women are to discharge all our
duties?”

Chr. “Exactly so.” :

Blep. “That my wife and not I is to try causes?”

Chr. “Yes; and aout wife, not you, is to keep the
house.”

Blep. “This is all very alarming.” is

Chr. “Nay, nay; don’t vex one What says
the old proverb?

‘ Though weak and vain our counsels, yet the gods
Still overrule them to some happy end.’

But I must be going. Take care of yourself.”

The women who had been passing this revolution-
ary vote now came hurrying in, looking about them
as if they feared pursuit, and singing as they went : —

“Is a man on our track? Look in front and look back,
Keep a watch all around, and tramp’ hard on the ground;
*Twould be sad if a man should discover our plan.