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296 This is the bath of birth—this is the merge of small
 * and large, and the outlet again.

Be not ashamed, women—your privilege encloses
 * the rest, and is the exit of the rest,

You are the gates of the body, and you are the gates
 * of the Soul.

The female contains all qualities, and tempers them
 * —she is in her place, and moves with perfect
 * balance,

She is all things duly veiled—she is both passive and
 * active,

She is to conceive daughters as well as sons, and sons
 * as well as daughters.

As I see my Soul reflected in nature, As I see through a mist, one with inexpressible completeness
 * and beauty,

See the bent head and arms folded over the breast—
 * the female I see.

The male is not less the Soul, nor more—he too is in
 * his place.

He too is all qualities —he is action and power, The flush of the known universe is in him, Scorn becomes him well, and appetite and defiance
 * become him well.

The wildest largest passions, bliss that is utmost,
 * sorrow that is utmost, become him well—pride
 * is for him,

The full-spread pride of man is calming and excellent
 * to the Soul;