that he can train her to be very useful and obedient if he will only
take pains. The parents, or, failing them, the guardians, adjust
the dowry--the lump sum which the bride will bring with her towards
the new establishment.[*] Many maxims enjoin "marry only your equal
in fortune." The poor man who weds an heiress will not be really
his own master; the dread of losing the big dowry will keep him in
perpetual bondage to her whims.

[*]The dowry was a great protection to the bride. If her husband
divorced her (as by law he might), the dowry must be repaid to her
guardians with 18 per cent. interest.


28. Lack of Sentiment in Marriages.--Sometimes marriages are
arranged in which any sentiment is obviously prohibited. A father
can betroth his daughter by will to some kinsman, who is to take
her over as his bride when he takes over the property. A husband
can bequeath his wife to some friend who is likely to treat her and
the orphan children with kindness. Such affairs occur every day.
Do the Athenian women revolt at these seemingly degrading conditions,
wherein they are handed around like slaves, or even cattle?--According
to the tragic poets they do. Sophocles (in the "Tereus") makes
them lament,


"We women are nothing;--happy indeed is our childhood, for THEN we
are thoughtless; but when we attain maidenhood, lo! we are driven
away from our homes, sold as merchandise, and compelled to marry
and say 'All's well.'"