In Portugal, the country that
I particularly allude to, it takes place of the most serious moral
obligations; for a man is seldom assassinated when in the company of a
woman. The savage hand of rapine is unnerved by this chivalrous
spirit; and, if the stroke of vengeance cannot be stayed- the lady
is entreated to pardon the rudeness and depart in peace, though
sprinkled, perhaps, with her husband's or brother's blood.
I shall pass over his strictures on religion, because I mean to
discuss that subject in a separate chapter.
The remarks relative to behaviour, though many of them very
sensible, I entirely disapprove of, because it appears to me to be
beginning, as it were, at the wrong end. A cultivated understanding,
and an affectionate heart, will never want starched rules of
decorum- something more substantial than seemliness will be the
result; and, without understanding the behaviour here recommended,
would be rank affectation. Decorum, indeed, is the one thing needful!-
decorum is to supplant nature, and banish all simplicity and variety
of character out of the female world. Yet what good end can all this
superficial counsel produce? It is, however, much easier to point
out this or that mode of behaviour, than to set the reason to work;
but, when the mind has been stored with useful knowledge, and
strengthened by being employed, the regulation of the behaviour may
safely be left to its guidance.
Why, for instance, should the following caution be given when art of
every kind must contaminate the mind; and why entangle the grand
motives of action, which reason and religion equally combine to
enforce, with pitiful worldly shifts and slight of hand tricks to gain
the applause of gaping tasteless fools? 'Be even cautious in
displaying your good sense.
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