A fairy tale

Once upon a time, there was a great and mighty city that was under siege by an ancient and powerful enemy. The enemy had destroyed many cities before. The city held firm for many days and then the warriors began running away from the battle and the ancient enemy started breaching the walls.
The wise men of the city investigated where all the warriors went. They were charged to defend the wall against the attack on the enemy and they had disappeared. Where did they go?
After many days they were found. They were measuring the skirts of their wives and daughters making sure that they weren’t turning into liberal feminists.
The enemy eventually destroyed the city. Pride and fear have caused many cities to fall.