Two Maidens

' Just think of the 'royal signet,' and the 'seal of the state.' If I were you I would give up the name 'maiden.' "

"Never!" said the elder. "I'm much too old for that!"

"You don't seem to understand what is called the European necessity," said the honest old measuring tape. "People have to adapt themselves to circumstances, limit themselves, give in to the needs of the times. And if there is a law that the 'maidens' are to be called 'stamps' or 'hand rammers,' then by that new name she must be called. There is a measuring tape for everything."

"Well, if there must be a change," said the younger, "I'd rather be called 'miss,' for 'miss' reminds one a little of 'maiden.' "

"But I'd rather be chopped up for firewood than change at all," said the old "maiden."

Now it was time for work. The "maidens" rode; they were put in the wheelbarrow, which was respectful treatment, but they were now called "stamps."

"Maid!" they cried as they stamped on the paving stones. "Maid!" They almost said the whole word "maiden," but they didn't finish; they had decided not to say any more about it. But among themselves they always spoke of each other as "maidens," and praised the good old days when things were called by their proper names and those who were "maidens" were called "maidens."

And "maidens" they both remained, for the ramming block, the big machine I told you about, did break off his engagement with the younger; he would have nothing to do with a "stamp" or "hand rammer"!