Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/914

 every woman whose heart bleeds for the sufferings of her sex, hasten to declare herself and to constitute herself, as far as she possibly can, a free woman. Let her accept the term with all the odium that belongs to it; let her insist on her right to speak, dress, think, act, and above all to use her sex, as she deems best; let her face the scorn and ridicule; let her "lose her own life" if she likes; assured that only so can come deliverance, and that only when the free woman is honored will the prostitute cease to exist. And let every man who really would respect his counterpart, entreat her also to act so; let him never by word or deed tempt her to grant as a bargain what can only be precious as a gift; let him see her with pleasure stand a little aloof; let him help her to gain her feet; so at last, by what slight sacrifices on his part such a course may involve, will it dawn upon him that he has gained a real companion and helpmate on life's journey.

The Free Woman

(See pages 184, 268, 578, 726, 835)

She is less guarded than ever, yet more guarded than ever, The gross and soil'd she moves among do not make her gross and soiled, She knows the thoughts as she passes, nothing is concealed from her, She is none the less considerate or friendly therefor, She is the best belov'd, it is without exception; she has no reason to fear, and she does not fear.