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herself obliged to make use of the coquetry by which she governs, so
that the result is that man chooses 'formally,' whereas really it is
woman who chooses. As soon as she is in possession of her means, she
abuses them, and acquires a terrible supremacy."
"But where do you see this exceptional power?"
"
Where? Why, everywhere, in everything. Go see the stores in the large
cities. There are millions there, millions. It is impossible to estimate
the enormous quantity of labor that is expended there. In nine-tenths
of these stores is there anything whatever for the use of men? All the
luxury of life is demanded and sustained by woman. Count the factories;
the greater part of them are engaged in making feminine ornaments.
Millions of men, generations of slaves, die toiling like convicts simply
to satisfy the whims of our companions.
"
Women, like queens, keep nine-tenths of the human race as prisoners of
war, or as prisoners at hard labor. And all this because they have been
humiliated, because they have been deprived of rights equal to those
which men enjoy. They take revenge for our sensuality; they catch us in
their nets.
"Yes, the whole thing is there. Women have made of themselves such a
weapon to act upon the senses that a young man, and even an old man,
cannot remain tranquil in their presence. Watch a popular festival, or
our receptions or ball-rooms. Woman well knows her influence there. You
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