ABSTRACT
Next comes a book-keeper, and after her a duet by two governesses and a solo by a Kindergarten teacher. A hospital nurse in a solo, "When sickness lays the stalwart low,'' sings of the tender watching needed by the sick, the chorus singing afterwat·ds of the employment of women as physicians and the changing customs of the world. Then follow amusing songs by a cook, a houRemaid, a children's nurse, and a trio by pottery girls. At this point a man enters, who says he is out of work and complains that women seize on all the employments. He is further disconcerted by six artists who paint. on velvet, glass, leather, china, &c., ·and by the printers, etchers, straw-plaiters, &c., and sings an appeal, "Then how can I get a living! " to which the chorus interpolates sympathetic and humourous rejoinders "Poor Man." At last Mrs. Guardem reminds him there are several occupations of various kinds for which men will always be ~;~pecially fitted, and tbat it is better for a. nation that its women should be active, clever, and occupied, than frivolous and idle. He declares himself convinced that the interests of men and women cannot be permanently antagonistic, and with a final chorus "That each will do his part," this bright little cantata closes. · ·The songs are interspersed with short conversations,
July 15th, 11186. j 309.
