a strict watch over a headstrong daughter, lest she make thee a laughing-stock to thine enemies, a byword in the city, and notorious among the people_ (E. 42^{9-11}). Closer scrutiny of the Wise-men’s thoughts about family life reveals something surprising and gratifying. It might have been expected that in any Eastern society Woman would continue all her days to be held in small esteem, carrying a heavy yoke for scant reward. But the Hebrew proverbs testify on the contrary that when a Jewish woman grew up and became wife or mother she stepped at once into a noble and influential position, enjoying a real share in the honour or prosperity of her husband, and entitled equally with him to the obedience and devotion of her children. No less than the father she was reckoned by the Wise to be the children’s guide and counsellor. She had reasonable opportunity for social intercourse with other persons than the members of her own household, and within her own house was trusted with responsibilities that gave her a large share in the making or marring of its happiness and fortunes. The Wise-men’s ideal of married life is presented in a famous panegyric, which deserves to be given at length, for some writers have declared--not unreasonably in view of the immemorial inferiority to which the women of the East have been condemned--that it is the most remarkable feature of the _Book of Proverbs_. THE WISE AND LOYAL WIFE[67] _A virtuous woman who can find? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain. She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life. She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh it up as she pleaseth. She is like the merchant-ships, Bringing her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household. She examines a field and buyeth it; With her earnings she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth herself with strength, And maketh strong her arms. She perceives that her profit is good; Her lamp goes not out by night. She puts out her hand to the distaff, And layeth hold on the spindle. She extendeth her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy._ She feareth not snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh her cushions of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is distinguished in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh linen cloth and sells it, And delivereth girdles to the merchants. Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she laughs at the time to come. Her speech is full of wisdom, And kindly instruction is on her tongue. She looketh well to the ways of her household And eateth not the bread of idleness.