[Doitsu]

Originally Posted by AlexBell

Thanks again - and with the thanks another request. On the original opening cover of The Benefactress there were the lines:

Man bedarf der Leitung
Und der männlichen Begleitung

These lines are from chapter 7 of Busch's popular humorous story Die Fromme Helene (= Pious Helen) about an old spinster. (The story doesn't end well for her; she becomes an alcoholic and accidentally kills herself.)

Here's a literal translation of the first two verses:

Ratsam ist und bleibt es immer              It is and always was advisable
Für ein junges Frauenzimmer,                For a young lady
Einen Mann sich zu erwählen                 To choose a man for herself
Und wo möglich zu vermählen.                And, if possible, get married. 

Erstens: will es so der Brauch.             First: Because custom dictates it.
Zweitens: will man's selber auch.           Second: One wants to do it.
Drittens: man bedarf der Leitung            Third: One needs guidance
Und der männlichen Begleitung;              And male companionship.

Leitung could also be translated as leadership/management/direction and männlichen Begleitung could also be translated as male companion/company.