Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 6.djvu/516

 482 Seyton.—I have never considered the subject so deeply. But I think it is generally admitted that women do rule, and must continue to do so; and therefore, whenever I become acquainted with a young lady, I always inquire upon what subjects she exercises her authority; since it must be exercised somewhere.

Amelia.—And thus you establish the point with which you started?

Seyton.—And why not? Is not my reasoning as good as that of philosophers in general, who are convinced by their experience? Active women, who are given to habits of acquisition and saving, are invariably mistresses at home; pretty women, at once graceful and superficial, rule in large societies; whilst those who possess more sound accomplishments exert their influence in smaller circles.

Amelia.—And thus we are divided into three classes.

Sinclair.—All honourable, in my opinion; and yet those three classes do not include the whole sex. There is still a fourth, to which perhaps we had better not allude, that we may escape the charge of converting our praise into censure.

Henrietta.—Then, we must guess the fourth class. Let us see.

Sinclair.—Well, then, the first three classes were those whose activity was displayed at home, in large societies, or in smaller circles.

Henrietta.—What other sphere can there be where we can exercise our activity?

Sinclair.—There may be many. But I am thinking of the reverse of activity.

Henrietta.—Indolence! How could an indolent woman rule?

Sinclair.—Why not?

Henrietta.—In what manner?