“It has not always been so! But men want us no longer; the women detest us. We go; we go. I ( Purity says this ) to the hen roost. I ( Chastity says this ) to the still unravished heights of Surrey. I ( Modesty says this ) to any cosy nook where there are ivy and curtains in plenty.”

“For there, not here (all speak together, joining hands and making gestures of farewell and despair towards the bed where Orlando lies sleeping) dwell still in nest and boudoir, office and lawcourt those who love us; those who honour us, virgins and city men; lawyers and doctors; those who prohibit; those who deny; those who reverence without knowing why; those who praise without understanding; the still very numerous (Heaven be praised) tribe of the respectable; who prefer to see not; desire to know not; love the darkness; those still worship us, and with reason; for we have given them Wealth, Prosperity, Comfort, Ease. To them we go, you we leave. Come, Sisters, come! This is no place for us here.”