to concatenate that abſtract train of thought which produces principles. And that women from their education and the preſent ſtate of civilized life, are in the ſame condition, cannot, I think, be controverted. To laugh at them then, or ſatirize the follies of a being who is never to be allowed to act freely from the light of her own reaſon, is as abſurd as cruel; for, that they who are taught blindly to obey authority, will endeavour cunningly to elude it, is moſt natural and certain.
Yet let it be proved that they ought to obey man implicitly, and I ſhall immediately agree that it is woman's duty to cultivate a fondneſs for dreſs, and in order to pleaſe, and a propenſity to cunning for her own preſervation.
The virtues, however, which are ſupported by ignorance, muſt ever be wavering—the houſe built on ſand could not endure a ſtorm. It is almoſt unneceſſary to draw the inference.—If women are to be made virtuous by authority, which is a contradiction in terms, let them be immured in ſeraglios and watched with a jealous eye.—Fear not that the iron will enter into their ſouls—for the ſouls that can bear ſuch treatment are made of yielding materials, juſt animated enough to give life to the body.
'Matter too ſoft a laſting mark to bear,
And beſt diſtinguiſh'd by black, brown, or fair.'
The moſt cruel wounds will of courſe ſoon heal, and they may ſtill people the world, and dreſs to pleaſe man—all the purpoſes which certain celebrated writers have allowed that they were created to fulfil.
