The Soul of a Slave

For over a year I was a slave and lived with the slaves, but I could not become as one of them. My dowry was large and my lord married me because of it, yet he does not desire me. Because of this and because I am barren and have neither son nor daughter must I sit apart. For I am man I would rather die than be such a slave, but the conventions of our tribe make slaves of women. No man can respect himself who does not repay honest debts. But what can I do who am a slave in Syria? Stay aslave in Syria, Thou weakling. Then prove it.