Walter Matthew Gallichan

“ Mirza Abu Taleb, a Persian writer, is very explicit in laying down rules for husbands. A man is ordered to give his wife money without stint, or her colour will fade, her cheeks become as saffron, and she will languish and pine. ”

“ The sub- missive wife often loses favour in the husband's eyes; therefore the astute Persian woman cultivates the art of pique, and shows her displeasure in little spiteful speeches and acts. A dutiful husband must wait upon his wife when she is going a journey to visit her rela- tives or friends. ”

“ CHAPTER XXI THE WOMEN OF PERSIA THE realm of the Shah is a reputed paradise for women. There is probably less feminine discontent in Persia than in any other country, East or West. It has often been said that where polygamy prevails women have few liberties and little influence. ”

“ The cultivation of physical beauty is an important part of a Persian girl's education, and the standard of bodily perfection is somewhat exacting. Neverthe- less, as several travellers testify, facial loveliness and symmetry of form are not the sole attractions. ”

“ The prime error of the writers who champion monogamy, when describing Eastern life, is their invariable tendency to rank all Mohammedans, Hindus, and the greater number of Buddhists as polygamists. We have seen that in all the countries where plurality of wives and the main- tenance of concubines are sanctioned, the great bulk of the population live in monogamy. ”

“ When a husband enters his wife's chambers he is a visitor, and he possesses no authority over her ser- vants. Her children and her slaves obey her, and not her spouse. The Persians assert that their women have more power and liberty than the women of Europe and the West generally. This was the opinion of Mirza Abu Taleb Khan after a visit to England.
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A Persian wife is permitted by custom to tease her husband, and to indulge her humours and caprices to her heart's content. ”

“ Very frequently a plain woman, possessed of sprightliness and amiability, is more cherished by a husband than
" Psychology of Sex " series, " Sexual Selection in Man," Havelock Ellis.
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the veritable belle who lacks humour and intelligence. The favourite wife is often unattractive in features and ungainly in body.
Bathing is an elaborate ritual and an ancient institu- tion of the country. Prolonged and constant ablutions are, as we have seen, a common practice in most Mohammedan communities. In Persia women are as much addicted to hot bathing as the Turkish women. ”

“ In stature a woman must be tall and erect, like the Cyprus or the maritime pine. While the Arabs admired the rosiness of the legs and thighs, the Persians insisted on white legs and com- pared them to silver and crystal. ”

“ Mercenary association of the sexes was abhorred in ancient Persia, and regarded as an abominable sin. In modern times prostitution is somewhat on the in- crease in the cities, and is accompanied by the usual evils. ”

“ On the other hand, women in Persia possess many rights and a number of privileges. James Atkinson, in " Customs and Manners of the Women of Persia/' refers to an ancient code in which the liberties of women are clearly defined. A woman can always attend the public bath alone. She is allowed to visit her father, brother, sister, or son when she chooses, and her hus- band cannot force his company upon her on such occa- sions. Such intrusion would be considered unpardon- able rudeness. No husband is to enter his wife's apartments without her consent or invitation. ”

“ The mothers direct all the fortunes of the sons. They select their wives. There is, however, free choice for the maidens. A girl can refuse a suitor three times. If she accepts him, he is bound to pay her a suitable marriage settlement. ”