Now it came to pass that all the young men went forth for to fight, and there remained only those that were old or infirm and some that had sneaked them through.
2 ¶ And because there was much work to be done, therefore did the rulers of the land send word unto the women, saying, Come ye unto the workshops of the cities and there do all those things that the young men were wont to do. And they came as with one accord.
3 ¶ And they did make them munitions of war of many kinds, and did become skilled artificers, both in metal and in wood; and they rested not from their labours, save only on the days appointed.
4 ¶ And there were others that did sell merchandise in the bazaars. And so it fell out that when a man went forth for to buy him under-vestments, the damsel that was in the bazaar would say unto him, What is thy need, O son of man?
5 And he was ashamed to tell her all that which was in his heart, and he knew not what to say; wherefore was he halting in his speech and his countenance did take on the colour of blood.
6 But the maiden that did tend unto his wants, she was in no wise disquieted, and she did beseech him to impart unto her the name of the thing.
7 And, afterwards, she did hold up the leg of the garment for appraisement and did raise her voice in praise of it. And the young man was brought into a proper state upon the instant, so that he did buy whatsoever she did shew unto him. And his going out from that place was quicker than his coming in.
8 ¶ And there were women appointed for to see that the people did no wrong thing. And certain of these did betake them on the dark nights unto the quiet places at a time when the mating season was nigh.
9 And they did flash them a light on those that were unready; but those that did know about it, them did they find better circumstanced.
10 And the people liked it not, for there was no place that was safe unto them, and the course of true love was an hard one and much beset with spies.