tangible beauty; yet ſimplicity is, in general, admired, when people do not conſider what they admire; and can there be ſimplicity without ſincerity? But, to have done with remarks that are in ſome meaſure deſultory, though naturally excited by the ſubject—
In declamatory periods Dr. Fordyce ſpins out Rouſſeau's eloquence; and in moſt ſentimental rant, details his opinions reſpecting the female character, and the behaviour which woman ought to aſſume to render her lovely.
He ſhall ſpeak for himſelf, for thus he makes Nature addreſs man. 'Behold theſe ſmiling innocents, whom I have graced with my faireſt gifts, and committed to your protection; behold them with love and reſpect; treat them with tenderneſs and honour. They are timid and want to be defended. They are frail; O do not take advantage of their weakneſs! Let their fears and bluſhes endear them. Let their confidence in you never be abuſed.—But is it poſſible, than any of you can be ſuch barbarians, ſo ſupremely wicked, as to abuſe it? Can you find in your hearts[1] to deſpoil the gentle, truſting creatures of their treaſure, or do any thing to ſtrip them of their native robe of virtue? Curſt be the impious hand that would dare to violate the unblemiſhed form of Chaſtity! Thou wretch! thou ruffian! forbear; nor venture to provoke heaven's fierceſt vengeance.' I know not any comment that can be made ſeriouſly on this curious paſſage, and I could produce many
ſimilar
- ↑ Can you?—Can you? would be the moſt emphatical comment, were it drawled out in a whining voice.
