Page:Queen Mab (Shelley).djvu/218

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REPLY, &c.

intercourse. In some cases the passionate excess of love subsides into rational esteem, and calm affection. In others, affection nearly evaporates, and esteem alone remains. In others, the union is cemented by a respect for the ordinary decorums of life, and an anxiety for the welfare of an offspring. In some few, the temper breaks out into open violence against all forms, and principles; and all duties are neglected. But it is for Mr. Shelley to shew that in the state of unbridled liberty, on the part of man, for this must be the effect of his theory, greater hypocrisy would not be resorted to, for the purpose of betraying the individuals than is now employed to deceive the world—that greater enmity would not arise from the desertions of those who were betrayed, than arises now from the impossibility of dissolving the marriage tie! What brother, what father, would suffer a daughter, or a sister, to be abandoned, at the caprice of a two-legged ape of manhood, who thought he saw a brilliant butterfly at a distance, which his "morality" taught him he might have some pleasure in running down? It would be an absolute duty for every one interested in the honor, and happiness of woman, to wear swords, not