human being is permitted to attain, will become a guiding-star for
all men who are seeking good. Only the mother can calmly say before
her death, to Him who sent her into this world, and to Him whom she
has served by bearing and rearing children more dear than herself,--
only she can say calmly, having served Him who has imposed this
service upon her: "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace."
And this is the highest perfection, towards which, as towards the
highest bliss, men are striving.

Such are the women, who, having fulfilled their destiny, reign over
powerful men; such are the women who prepare the new generations of
people, and fix public opinion: and, therefore, in the hands of
these women lies the highest power of saving men from the prevailing
and threatening evils of our times.

Yes, ye women and mothers, in your hands, more than in those of all
others, lies the salvation of the world!



Footnotes:

{1} In English in the text.

{2} An excellent translation of Kriloff's Fables, by Mr. W. R. S.
Ralston, is published in London.

{3} Burlak, pl. burlaki, is a boatman on the River Volga.