Yet, shaking hands thus
as it were with corruption, one foot on earth, the other with bold
stride mounts to heaven, and claims kindred with superiour natures.
Virtues, unobserved by man, drop their balmy fragrance at this cool
hour, and the thirsty land, refreshed by the pure streams of comfort
that suddenly gush out, is crowned with smiling verdure; this is the
living green on which that eye may look with complacency that is too
pure to behold iniquity!
But my spirits flag; and I must silently indulge the reverie these
reflections lead to, unable to describe the sentiments, that have
calmed my soul, when watching the rising sun, a soft shower
drizzling through the leaves of neighbouring trees, seemed to fall
on my languid, yet tranquil spirits, to cool the heart that had been
heated by the passions which reason laboured to tame.
The leading principles which run through all my disquisitions, would
render it unnecessary to enlarge on this subject, if a constant
attention to keep the varnish of the character fresh, and in good
condition, were not often inculcated as the sum total of female
duty; if rules to regulate the behaviour, and to preserve the
reputation, did not too frequently supersede moral obligations. But,
with respect to reputation, the attention is confined to a single
virtue- chastity. If the honour of a woman, as it is absurdly
called, be safe, she may neglect every social duty; nay, ruin her
family by gaming and extravagance; yet still present a shameless
front- for truly she is an honourable woman!
Mrs.
Pages:
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229