Tounghoo Women by Ellen B. Mason

At present, Burman mothers (I mean the great mass of them--of course there are isolated exceptions,) have but one thought, and that is to bring up their daughters in such a manner as to attract to them the attention of strangers, so that they may sell them for a good price. Oh, I have seen, till my eyes ached with weeping, how sin and misery are brought into Burmese dwellings by Christian Europe. I have seen the bosom heave, and the tears gush over her offsping, when the poor young mother, tormented by a consciousness of sin, and the fear of punishment, has exclaimed: "What could I do? I was helpless. My mother sold me. A Christian bought me. Will not the God of the Christian pity me?"

I have seen them dragged away as they sunk fainting at the feet of their masters, when they found their place was already filled by a European lady; and I have also seen these helpless creatures, when they have been hunted by their cruel mothers, and the more cruel purchaser, prepare for themselves the grave of the suicide. If so-called Christian _men_ can be so base, so cruel and wicked, as to seek their destruction, ought not Christian _women_ to put forth still stronger efforts for their salvation?