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Rh Ing. What use is such a plaything? Par. Use? They are beautiful; that is their use. The sight of them makes glad the eye; their scent Refreshes, cheers. There! (Fastens the half -finished garland round a cup and presents it to him.) Is not that, now, beautiful? Ing. Ay—by the bright sun ! That dark-green mixed Up with the gay flowers! Thou must teach oar women To weave such garlands. Par. That is soon done: thy wife Herself shall soon weave wreaths as well as I. Ing. (Laughing heartily.) My wife! my wife! a woman Dost thou say? I thank the gods, not I. This is my wife— [Pointing to his accoutrements. My spear, my shield, my sword ; let him who will Waste cattle, slaves, or gold, to buy a woman; Not I—not I! Par. To buy a woman?—how? Ing. What is the matter? why dost look so strangely? Par. How ! did I hear aright? bargain for brides As you would slaves — buy them like cattle? Ing. Well, I think a woman fit only for a slave. We follow our own customs, as you yours. How do you in your city there? Par. Consult our hearts. Massilia's free-born daughters are not sold, But bound by choice with bands as light and sweet As these I hold. Love only buys us there. Ing. Marry for love—what! do you love your husbands? Par. Why marry else? Ing. Marry for love; that's strange! I cannot comprehend. I love my horse, My dogs, my brave companions—but no woman! What dost thou mean by love—what is it, girl? Par. What is it? 'Tis of all things the most sweet— The heaven of life—or, so my mother says, I never felt it. Ing. Never? Par. No, indeed. [Looking at garland. Now look how beautiful ! Here would I weave Red flowers if I had them. Ing. Yonder there, In that thick wood they grow.