MINOTAURUS TYPHCEUS 139 



a paterfamilias ; he has spent himself without stint to 

 secure the prosperity of his kith and kin. 



The mother, on her side, allows nothing to divert her 

 from her housekeeping. Throughout her working life, she 

 never leaves her home : domi mansit, as the ancients used 

 to say, speaking of their model matrons ; domi mansit, 

 kneading her cylindrical loaves, filling them with an egg, 

 watching them until the exodus arrives. When the day 

 comes for the autumnal merry-makings, she at last 

 returns to the surface, accompanied by the young people, 

 who disperse at will to feast in the regions frequented 

 by the sheep. Thereupon, having nothing left to do, the 

 devoted mother perishes. 



Yes, amid the general indifference of fathers for their 

 sons, Minotaurus displays a very remarkable zeal where 

 his family are concerned. Forgetful of himself , refusing 

 to be led away by the delights of spring, when it would 

 be so pleasant to see a little country, to banquet with his 

 fellows, to tease and flirt with his fair neighbours, he 

 sticks to his work underground and wears himself out so 

 as to leave a fortune to his descendants. Here is one 

 who, when he stiffens his legs for the last time, is well 

 entitled to say : 



" I have done my duty ; I have worked." 



