Manner of the Romans and the English (for the Customs of these two Nations seem similar in this Respect[1]) that is, without Gallantry[2] and without Jealousy. By a Parity of Reason, the Customs of the Spaniards and of the Italians of an Age ago (for the present are very different) must be the worst of any; because they favour both Gallantry and Jealousy.
Nor will these different Customs of Nations affect only the one Sex: The Idea of personal Merit in the Males must also be somewhat different, with regard, at least, to Conversation, Address, and Humour. The one Nation, where the Men live much apart, will naturally more esteem Prudence; the other, Gaiety: With the one, Simplicity of Manners will be in the highest Respect; with the other, Politeness. The one will distinguish themselves by
- ↑ During the Time of the Emperors, the Romans seem to have been more given to Intrigues and Gallantry than the English are at present: And the Women of Condition, in order to retain their Lovers, endeavour'd to fix a Name of Reproach on those, who were addicted to Wenching and low Amours. They were call'd Ancillarioli. See Seneca de Beneficiis. Lib. i. Cap. 9. See also Martial, Lib. 12. Epig. 58.
- ↑ The Gallantry here meant is that of Amours and Attachments, not that of Complaisance, which is as much pay'd to the fair Sex in England as in any other Country.
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