Page:The rights of women and the sexual relations.djvu/307

Rh which all the world aspires; but the way to happiness has been planted with the cross of duty, and has been made so narrow, and steep, that but few venture upon it unless driven by the fear of hopeless condemnation, or allured by the promise of a sparkling crown — in every case a poor recommendation for their own or the general conception of happiness. The ambition to become great in public opinion or to gain the applause or approval of the masses, is a childish sentiment. The most faithful and noblest reformers of to-day as well as of all former generations are those who have lost their ‘reputation' by advocating unpopular principles. Indeed, neither man nor woman can do thorough reform work in the present state of society so long as they have not lost their "reputation."

Has ever man or woman spoken nobler or prouder words than this "delicate" woman, with the "small mouth" and the "sweet smile?"

She then proceeds to describe the condition of society and especially of the institution of marriage, which, above all, she holds responsible for the two evils upon which she is about to speak — prostitution and infanticide. "I hope," she says, "that the meeting will listen to me calmly while I speak of the first evil. It is without doubt a disagreeable subject for an audience to listen to. Many of you, perhaps all, have grown up amid the limitations of false shame and false delicacy, and if a woman dares only to hint at such a subject publicly, or betrays any