She would wish not
to love him merely because he loved her, but on account of his
virtues; and the sister might have been able to struggle for herself
instead of eating the bitter bread of dependence.
I am, indeed, persuaded that the heart, as well as the
understanding, is opened by cultivation; and by, which may not
appear so clear, strengthening the organs; I am not now talking of
momentary flashes of sensibility, but of affections. And, perhaps,
in the education of both sexes, the most difficult task is so to
adjust instruction as not to narrow the understanding, whilst the
heart is warmed by the generous juices of spring, just raised by the
electric fermentation of the season; nor to dry up the feelings by
employing the mind in investigations remote from life.
With respect to women, when they receive a careful education, they
are either made fine ladies, brimful of sensibility, and teeming
with capricious fancies; or mere notable women. The latter are often
friendly, honest creatures, and have a shrewd kind of good sense
joined with worldly prudence, that often render them more useful
members of society than the fine sentimental lady, though they possess
neither greatness of mind nor taste. The intellectual world is shut
against them; take them out of their family or neighbourhood, and they
stand still; the mind finding no employment, for literature affords
a fund of amusement which they have never sought to relish, but
frequently to despise. The sentiments and taste of more cultivated
minds appear ridiculous, even in those whom chance and family
connections have led them to love; but in mere acquaintance they think
it all affectation.
Pages:
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115