was denied to dogs and pigs. Before he could translate his
thoughts into words or acts a shrewd-looking, curly-haired
stonemason, who stood by with his tin on his arm, cut into the
discussion.

STONEMASON. Your doctrines won't go down here, Mr. Philosopher.
I've 'eard of them before. I'd just like to ask you what a man's
to do and what a woman's to do if they don't marry: and if they
do, how can you honestly hinder them from having any children?

The stonemason had rudely struck out the cardinal issues of the
question.

PHILOSOPHER. Well, to take the last point first, there are
physical and ethical questions involved in it, which it is hard
to discuss before such an audience as this.

STONEMASON. But you must discuss 'em, if you wish us to change
our ways, and stop breeding.

PHILOSOPHER. Very well: perhaps you are right. But, again, I
should first have to establish a basis for my arguments, by
showing that the conception of marriage entertained by you all is
a low one. It is not simply a breeding matter. The beauty and
value of the relation lies in its educational effects--the
cultivation of mutual sentiments and refinements of great
importance to a community.

STONEMASON. Ay! Very beautiful and refining to Mr. and Mrs.
Philosopher, but I'd like to know where the country would have