"Busybodies" In
p. 30 · Read in the full issue
Polynesia
RECENTLY we read, in a volume of essays, Plutarch’s comments, “Con cerning Busybodies.” It shows how little human nature has changed during the centuries. Indeed, although Plutarch wrote 1800 years ago, he might have been sitting on a bench beside one of the highways of any of our South Pacific towns, describing the passers-by.
Vague rumour alleges that many assemblies of our South Sea womenfolk assume the aspect of a conclave of inqui sitors. Usually, however, no great harm is done unless one or two of our spe cialists in reputation-wrecking chance to be among the company.
The dear creatures have fed on gossip since the world began, and idle feminine chatter has never been reprehended, in any age, as more than the harmless flut tering of charming butterflies.
The male gossip and busybody is another matter, however. The most in tolerable is that type of pure Nordic male snooper who. having abandoned the traditions of chivalry which are his heri tage. seeks out, memorises and brings into conversation, on every possible occa sion. the real or alleged history of every maid, matron and stray damsel who may come under his observation.
Were we the vizier of some benevolent despot “whose object all sublime to make the punishment fit the crime” should require us to execute the will of our august master, we should cause to be tattooed on the fore-arms of Nordic male busybodies, certain paragraphs of Plu tarch’s essay; so that, daily, they might see themselves as others see them. To protect the unwary we should command that a strawberry mark of flaming scar let be tatooed on their noses.
Alas, we fear our tattoo artist would
be very busy in Polynesia.-