Page:Thotharomance00nichgoog.djvu/110

Rh Tell me, apart from these women, what thinkest thou of our people?"

"They are truly a wonderful race, and surpass dreams in their knowledge of arts and sciences."

"And, apart from the women, what sayest thou of the government?"

"The people seem happy and contented, and they appear to live in the utmost obedience to their rulers through mere love and respect—except these women."

"That," replied Thoth, "is the plain truth. There is no city under the sun in which the people are so happy, contented, and so easily governed—except these women.

"And how," he continued, "dost thou imagine this wonderful state of affairs has arisen? But it is impossible to divine, and I will tell thee.

"Many hundred years ago the father of the