these Embellishments imagine themselves perfectly accomplish'd. They ought not indeed to be disturbed in this good Opinion of themselves, and of such Attainments. And this good Humour of Self-Love, which produces such Improvement, might deserve both Praise and Encouragement: were it innocently good natur'd to it self, without being injurious to others. For my part, I could never think any part of Learning either useless, or contemptible, becaufe I knew not the Advantages of it; I have rather thought my self obliged to reverence those who are skilful in any Art or Profession, and can gladly subscribe to the Praise of any liberal Accomplishment, be it in any Person, of any Sex; justly valuing those which adorn even the Persons above mention'd, when they confine them not to themselves, and are not attended with Envy.
Plato, if we may lay any stress upon Heathen Authorities, makes it a mark of Ingenuity to despise no kind of Learning; [1] and one of the most elegant Apologies for Learning, that perhaps has ever been made, informs us, that the Arts have a mutual connexion and dependence between themselves, mutually illustrate and assist each other; which Testimonies must not be refused by those y who have any Esteem for politer Learnings and I hope they may prepare a way for me to obviate those Objections to which this Work may be thought liable.
And the next probably will be this. Admit a Woman may have Learning, is there no other kind of
- ↑ Cicer. Orat. pro Arehia Poeta.
