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4 MB ‘ Su I For Woman’s Work. A BIT OF ANTIQUITY. UR future prospects for govern | ment, as suggested by Bellamy in his “Looking Backward,” re- O mind us very forcibly of the Spartan government in the tjme of Lycurgus; in fact, so closely ao they com pare, we can but infer that the latter was suggested by the former, and this re minds us again of the old adage that “there is nothing new under the sun.” We know that Lycurgus took up the govern mental reins under peculiar circumstances, and that although he was greatly beloved —almost divinifled—he held the sceptre only about eight months; afterwards*, though not king in name, he had absolute control of affairs until his death, and his laws were rigidly enforced for many cen turies. His first step was to annul the old consti tution, and make a new one which consist ed of two kings reigning jointly, and a sen ate of twenty-eight members, having equal authority with the kings, but at the same time acting as a kind of check-rein against any infringement of the laws on their side; preserving a proper balance by supporting the kings against the possible encroachment of the people, also protect ing the people against the undue influence of the regal power. The people, too, had the of deciding upon certain ques tions proposed; that is. not being able to originate, they could accept or reject what was submitted to them through the senate and two kings. This, of c> urse, put con siderable power into the hands ot the peo ple; so with a view to counterbalancing the p >wer thus committed to this legisla tive body, five ai nusl magistrates were appointed, wh<'se office it was to keep an eve on the people, lest they be unduly in fluenced by the aristocracy. Sparta, we are told, was at that ti ne overrun with impoverished people, while the bulk of wealth, as in our times, was in the hands of a few. Lycurgus deter mined to do away with all this inequality, to annul all such laws, and make new ones in such a manner that the citizens might be absolutely equal in their posses sions, as well as in their modes of living; so that those ambitious of distinction might pursue virtue, as “no difference was left between them than that which arises from the dishonor of base actions, and the praise of good ones.” He accordingly made nine thousand lots of the territory of Sparta, to be distributed among that number of citizens, while for the rest of Laconia, he made thirty thou sand lots, one being assigned to each citi zen. These parcels of land were capaci tated to produce about seventy bushels of grain for each man, and twelve for each woman besides a necessary quantity of wine and oil. This was considered suf ficient to sustain good health, which was all that was necessary. To effectually banish the love of wealth, Lycurgus prohibited the use of gold or silver money, allowing only iron to be used for coin, to which was affixed the lowest possible value. For example, for a citizen to lay up one hundred and fifty dollars, it was necessary to have a whole loom in which to store it, or a yoke of oxen to haul it about; this, of course, put an end to all pillaging and stealing, for who could get away with such cumbersome booty without detection ? Besides, this currency did not pass in other countries, so there were no foreign commodities brought in, to tempt the would-be purchaser, no ships unloading in the ports attractive novelties; they must needs get to work or do without, so they very naturally turned their atten tion to the workmanship of necessary fur niture and the like, for their own comfort and convenience. They partook of food in common, and such as was provided by the government; not at their own houses, either, but at a common eating hall, from ten to fifteen at each table. They were permitted, how ever, to select their table-mates; if a per son should desire to change his seat to join some more congenial and convivial table, he applied for admission, and was elected or blackballed, as the case might be. Merriment was very much encouraged, even among small children. We learn from Sosibins that there was a statue to Laughter in every hall. However, no foolish or insipid conversation wa§xdlowed. The Spartans were usually short arid sententious in their conversa tions, reaching* the point aimed at in very few words, which usually struck the mind of the hearer forcibly. They were not without considerable humor, but were quite famous for their well-directed apothegms. Nobody was allowed to eat at home or come to table without an appetite; these were jeered at, and called effemi nate. This arrangement was for both rich and poor; not even the kings were exempt. The table was provided on this wise: Every person was obliged to send in to the general booking department per month, a bushel of meal, eight gallons of wine, five pounds of cheese, two and a half pounds of figs and a little money to get an occasional»bit of fresh meat for a relish. If anyone happened to kill a buck or a rabbit, or a brace or so of birds, he was required in part of the same to the general tables, but was himself per mitted on those occasions to sup at home, and enjoy the fruitWof his labors in the bosom of his own family. But these oc casions were rare, they at all other times taking their supper at the mess hall, and going dutifully home and to bed without lights—the latter to accustom themselves to going abroad on darkest nights, without any inconvenience. Theatricals and such similar modes ot entertainment had no countenance ; ex ercise and temperance made the physician an unnecessary adju* ct; their integrity a- d virtue lett no practice for the lawyers; and all trades atte' dant upon luxury ano affluence were dissolved. Agriculture, a'd such mechani' al work as was neces sary, devolved upon the Helots or slaves, who lived in a very miserable condition, and in abject servility. * I II wr-ver, every Spartan wasjcompelled to perform regular service not’ for him self but for his country, his duties being principally military ones, from which he was exempted after the age of forty—alter which time he was in a measure super annuated. a d lived on the public. The women were encouraged in all health-promoting exercises, such as running, dancing, wrestling, etc., with a view to making their bodies strong and vigorous. Marriage was not considered a failure in those days, but greatly en couraged ; a bachelor was held up to open scorn and contempt,,treated with jeers and insolence from every quarter—even from small children. Indeed, a man who did not marry upon reaching a certain age was liable to prosecution. One Dercyl lides, an eminent commander, but un fortunately not a Benedict, coming up to a crowd of youths, supposing they would rise on his approach in acknowledgment of his years and dignity, was taunted by a young individual ■’'ho refused manifestly to budge with: ‘“Youhave no child to give place to me when I am old.” The women were not allowed to marry until perfectly matured, at which time they were neither bought nor sacrificed, as there was nothing to gain or lose, but their own choice and preference alone was consulted; or, rather the man’s choice, for I think the women accepted the situa tion, whether agreeable to their fancy or otherwise. The man who possessed three children had great immunities, while those with five or six were released from all taxes. Their education, however, was only such as was calculated to make them endure, fight and conquer, if such should ever be necessary—for they were a peace-loving people. So we see, in a very great measure, what Mr. Bellamy has suggested as almost the dawn of the millennium for us, was enjoyed, or I would say endured, by the ancient Spartans for five or six consecutive cen turies. Bessie May Tobin. Virtue is the recompense of the brave. Are you always ready to distribute good cheer, sweet thoughts and tender remembrances? WOMAN’S WORK. HERITAGE. [CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE.] “Ah, my Heritage, more than all the world beside, my child I” She went to the piano, and played a low and plaintive air; then she sang —sang as she had never sung before, and, Icoking at her. Mr. Ray wondered if the mere leaving of Italy was moving her to sing with such tender passion and pathos. She was singing a little German song, which he had never heard before; softly, sweetly she sang, more to herself than for her father. He looked at her in amaze ment. She looked like a great white rose, sitting there singing in the soft mellow light. The song was finished, the last note played. “I do not like German songs, as a rule, but this one seems to suit me par ticularly; do you like it, papa?” “It is very sweet, Heritage; a trifle sad, but perhaps it Was the manner in which you sang it, my dear.” “I am tired, papa, and I think we both need rest, for our journey begins very soon in the morning. I trust you will” sleep well. Wake me early.” With a fond kiss, she bade< him good-night, and went to her room, but not to sleep. No, Heritage did not sleep ; she sat down by the window and looked out upon the beautiful, still night. The summer night winds gently kissed her face, the perfume of the flowers played about her, as though tending her. She threw her lithe, young arms over her head, and smiled to herself. The smile was one of wonder and mys tery, mixed with indifference; she seemed to be drifting, drifting away, away I After awhile her lovely head drooped, her eyes closed, she tell asleep; and sleep ing, she dreamed: She saw the garden brilliantly and gayly illuminated with myriads of many colored lights, glistening and sparkling, appearing and disappearing. Trees sighed, fountains played and clattered about the tiny little pebbles that lay at their base. • Suddenly she saw a man; he appeared to be young, but she could not see his face. There was something mysterious about him, and he fascinated her; all women love mystery—their souls delight in it. There was an air of indifferent languor about him that charmed her as she lodged at him. “Ah, I have found you at last; anrj, you are mine—all mine.now, my Heritage#" sajd in a low, seductive voice. “Come now with me; see the pale, sulphur moon, shedding her silver rays around us; come my own my adored one, follow me.” Her long brown hair has fallen in a heavy tangle about her form. “Come my sweetheart,” he says tenderly, alluringly, ‘come with me; see, I have prepared the way ” They walk out into the beautiful night. The stars twinkle and smile..,the moon laughs good-naturedly; flowen/glance love to one another; the night-bird sings her exquisite trill in the tree tops, and the burden of Ler refrain is love, love 1 They walk on and on, unmindful of the circum ambient beauties. What need have they for flowers, lights, trees, birds ? Have they not love? Is not that sufficient? Away with-those exterior qualities I “My Heritage, you are more than beau tiful; ah, see the drooping eyelids—what magnificent eyes they hide; and those lips, so full and round and scarlet 1 My own forever!” They come now to a small lake, clear as crystal. “Let us stop here, Heritage, this is our boat; step in, fair one. Sit there, my well beloved; now turn your head that way again ; ah, that is it. How beautiful you are, Heritage; to look at you were most supernal bliss, and to feel you present—ah, dear one, lay your soft white arms about my neck, and let me know that you are mine. Ah I you are Perfection’s own child, with all her beauties and graces. ‘ Our boat is fit for gods, all gold and silver. It is drawn by seven white doves. See, Heritage, the doves draw us over the water; this first is Ganymede, the next Fauna, the third to the left Adonis, and one in front of Ganymede, Hero, the next Janus, the next, Helle, and the foremost one, the most beautiful of all, I have named for you—Heritage.” “You are too good,” she murmurs, raising her face, radiant with content, to his. She cannot talk, her joy is so complete; all she asks is the music of his voice. “My Heritage, I have you with me now, lam satisfied. Kiss me with those divine lips ; how perfect you are I I could wish that life were one long, eternal ride over these waters, with you by my side. Be think you, dear, how it would be—how exiled joy would come with hands ready to fill our glad commands; how love, the deathless, starry-eyed, would come and keep us undenied- All our pulses, oh, my sweet, would thrill with summer I” Now the doves begin to sing. What cel music they make! On and on they,,, over the shining waters; how calm \ -■- is, how ecstatic; the rush of the clear waters —how musical! Hark! what is this ? The song ceases, the doves scatter and fly away, frightened and angry; their hisses rend the air, the dainty barque rocks from side to side, the waters gleam hideously black; the stars no longer shine; the moon is hidden be hind a cloud. Darkness everywhere, the boat is tossing about, the turbulent waters moan and rush with a terrible roar. • “My love!” she cries. And his voice is low and sad as he answers: “My Heritage!” The water penetrates to her warm flesh, she raises her hands as if to stay it. Lo, she awakes—it is all a dream. She looks at her watch; only four o’clock, but she sleeps no more. “How loving and tender he was! Oh, if I could only have seen his face,” she murmurs softly to herself. [to be continued.] For Woman’s Work. * KNACK. If we turn to the dictionary we find that “knack” means dexterity, readiness. I litfi* the word, as applied to certain womanly qualities, better than the oft-used New England “faculty”—which really may have the same meaning with a dif ference. The short, sharp monosyllable seems adapted to a woman equal to any every day occurence or household emergency. Mrs. Browning uses the little word with graceful strength, when speaking of women she says: “They know asimple, merry, tender knack Os tying sashes, fitting baby shoes, And stringing pretty words that make no sense, And kissing full sense into empty words.” And what cannot the woman perform who has knack in her brains and at her finger ends? Put her into the most ordi nary, even shabby, room and in ten minutes she will ncanage, somehow, to diffuse an indescribable air of order, com fort, even elegance over what, before her entrance, appeared but four walls with (Jut the scantiest of furnishing. She knows how to arrange furniture so that the thin place in the carpet is out of sight; she tempers the light, and the faded sofa is in becoming shadow. She moves a chair here or there, and gives a hospitable, inviting air to what seemed but a seat. With a bit of lace or ribbon, a bright cushion, or a fancy rug, she converts some tiny spare chamber into a tempting resting place. The housewife with “knack” is pos sessed of enviable capital. Out of scanty materials she will concoct dainty,appetizing dishes; or, if she is daunted in the attempt to make “something out of nothing,” she will so arrange her meagre table as to conceal deficiencies in tare by the tasteful disposition of her dishes, or the daintiness of her napery. She will not even forget to increase the beauty of her own toilet, as I know of one woman doing in a domestic emergency. It is the woman with knack who “gaes auld claes look amaist as weel’s the new.” Given some odd widths of worsted, silk or velvet, and she evolves a “combination” suit which may bring upon her the slan der of extravagance. While her neigh bors variously estimate the probable cost of the pretty trifle which adorns her head, she only knows where the lace and flow ers cover the piecing, and how many dol lars her dextrous fingers have saved her. In a cabin or mansion the woman with knack knows how to make the most of her possessions. Her quick perception readily discovers, and she does not despise the smallest agency which may aid her to adorn or to make comfortable her family, her person or her house. In “The Complete Home” Mrs. Wright has drawn in “Miriam” a picture of the woman possessed of knack. Then my sister—whoever you are, maiden or matron—with knack, you have a womanly gift beyond the value of gold, a gift which will serve to brighten and adorn a home, or a single room, in a man ner which treasures of wealth, lacking tasteful, dextrous knack—are unable to do. Lucy Randolph Fleming. Lynchburg, Va. The path of a good woman is indeed strewn with flowers; but they rise behind her steps, not before them.— Ruskin. It is a mistake for a woman to try to prove to men her great knowledge and superior intellect. They enjoy an intellect ual woman, but the/ do not like to have her force her brains and learning upon them.— Elia Wheeler Wilcox.