The Humanness of Women. Charlotte Perkins Gilman

      PROEM

       Table of Contents

       In dark and early ages, through the primal forests faring, Ere the soul came shining into prehistoric night, Twofold man was equal; they were comrades dear and daring, Living wild and free together in unreasoning delight.

       Ere the soul was born and consciousness came slowly, Ere the soul was born, to man and woman, too, Ere he found the Tree of Knowledge, that awful tree and holy, Ere he knew he felt, and knew he knew.

       Then said he to Pain, "I am wise now, and I know you! No more will I suffer while power and wisdom last!" Then said he to Pleasure, "I am strong, and I will show you That the will of man can seize you,–aye, and hold you fast!"

       Food he ate for pleasure, and wine he drank for gladness. And woman? Ah, the woman! the crown of all delight! His now,–he knew it! He was strong to madness In that early dawning after prehistoric night.

       His,–his forever! That glory sweet and tender! Ah, but he would love her! And she should love but him! He would work and struggle for her, he would shelter and defend her,– She should never leave him, never, till their eyes in death were dim.

       Close, close he bound her, that she should leave him never; Weak still he kept her, lest she be strong to flee; And the fainting flame of passion he kept alive forever With all the arts and forces of earth and sky and sea.

       And, ah, the long journey! The slow and awful ages They have labored up together, blind and crippled, all astray! Through what a mighty volume, with a million shameful pages, From the freedom

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