- We might as well never have been
born, unless it were necessary that we should be created to enable man
to acquire the noble privilege of reason, the power of discerning good
from evil, whilst we lie down in the dust from whence we were taken,
never to rise again.-
It would be an endless task to trace the variety of meannesses,
cares, and sorrows, into which women are plunged by the prevailing
opinion, that they were created rather to feel than reason, and that
all the power they obtain, must be obtained by their charms and
weakness:
'Fine by defect, and amiably weak!'
And, made by this amiable weakness entirely dependent, excepting
what they gain by illicit sway, on man, not only for protection, but
advice, is it surprising that, neglecting the duties that reason alone
points out, and shrinking from trials calculated to strengthen their
minds, they only exert themselves to give their defects a graceful
covering, which may serve to heighten their charms in the eye of the
voluptuary, though it sink them below the scale of moral excellence?
Fragile in every sense of the word, they are obliged to look up to
man for every comfort. In the most trifling dangers they cling to
their support, with parasitical tenacity, piteously demanding succour;
and their natural protector extends his arm, or lifts up his voice, to
guard the lovely trembler- from what? Perhaps the frown of an old cow,
or the jump of a mouse; a rat, would be a serious danger. In the
name of reason, and even common sense, what can save such beings
from contempt; even though they be soft and fair?
These fears, when not affected, may produce some pretty attitudes;
but they shew a degree of imbecility which degrades a rational
creature in a way women are not aware of- for love and esteem are very
distinct things.
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