and that all the power they obtain, muſt be obtained by their charms and weakneſs:
'Fine by defect, and amiably weak!'
And, made by this amiable weakneſs entirely dependent, excepting what they gain by illicit ſway, on man, not only for protection, but advice, is it ſurpriſing that, neglecting the duties that reaſon alone points out, and ſhrinking from trials calculated to ſtrengthen their minds, they only exert themſelves to give their defeats a graceful covering, which may ſerve to heighten their charms in the eye of the voluptuary, though it ſink them below the ſcale of moral excellence?
Fragile in every ſenſe of the word, they are obliged to look up to man for every comfort. In the moſt trifling dangers they cling to their ſupport, with paraſitical tenacity, piteouſly demanding ſuccour; and their natural protector extends his arm, or lifts up his voice, to guard the lovely trembler—from what? Perhaps the frown of an old cow, or the jump of a mouſe; a rat, would be a ſerious danger. In the name of reaſon, and even common ſenſe, what can ſave ſuch beings from contempt; even though they be ſoft and fair?
Theſe fears, when not affected, may be very pretty; but they ſhew a degree of imbecility that degrades a rational creature in a way women are not aware of—for love and eſteem are very diſtinct things.
I am fully perſuaded that we ſhould hear of none of theſe infantile airs, if girls were allowed to take ſufficient exerciſe, and not confined in cloſe
