Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/185

 weak and dependent animal. Hence every man has a need of a superior, and is compelled to appoint a female of his own species to be his guide and ruler. This, gentlemen, is what they call 'matrimony'. When the ceremony is performed in the presence of witnesses, it is called a 'sacerdotal' marriage. The witnesses are known as 'priests'. The rendering of the formulae used on such occasions given by our lecturer is wholly inaccurate.

The true formula may be roughly translated as follows:—

The priest: "Tell me, do you wish me to be witness to this transaction?"

The bridegroom: "Sir, I desire you to be witness to the fact that I take this woman to be my lawful ruler and guide till death do us part."

The priest: "What else?"

The bridegroom: "I hereby promise and vow that I shall be her faithful slave and attendant. I cheerfully assume the task of providing food for our joint sustenance. Her sole duty shall be to eat what I procure."