A fine lady, on the contrary, has been taught to look down with
contempt on the vulgar employments of life; though she has only been
incited to acquire accomplishments that rise a degree above sense; for
even corporeal accomplishments cannot be acquired with any degree of
precision unless the understanding has been strengthened by
exercise. Without a foundation of principles taste is superficial,
grace must arise from something deeper than imitation. The
imagination, however, is heated, and the feelings rendered fastidious,
if not sophisticated; or, a counterpoise of judgment is not
acquired, when the heart still remains artless, though it becomes
too tender.
These women are often amiable; and their hearts are really more
sensible to general benevolence, more alive to the sentiments that
civilize life, than the square-elbowed family drudge; but, wanting a
due proportion of reflection and self-government, they only inspire
love; and are the mistresses of their husbands, whilst they have any
hold on their affections; and the platonic friends of his male
acquaintance. These are the fair defects in nature; the women who
appear to be created not to enjoy the fellowship of man, but to save
him from sinking into absolute brutality, by rubbing off the rough
angles of his character; and by playful dalliance to give some dignity
to the appetite that draws him to them.- Gracious Creator of the whole
human race! hast thou created such a being as woman, who can trace thy
wisdom in thy works, and feel that thou alone art by thy nature
exalted above her,- for no better purpose?- Can she believe that she
was only made to submit to man, her equal, a being, who, like her, was
sent into the world to acquire virtue?- Can she consent to be occupied
merely to please him; merely to adorn the earth, when her soul is
capable of rising to thee?- And can she rest supinely dependent on man
for reason, when she ought to mount with him the arduous steeps of
knowledge?-
Yet, if love be the supreme good, let women be only educated to
inspire it, and let every charm be polished to intoxicate the
senses; but, if they be moral beings, let them have a chance to become
intelligent; and let love to man be only a part of that glowing
flame of universal love, which, after encircling humanity, mounts in
grateful incense to God.
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