when, as life advances, ſhe mixes with happy art, jarring elements. I never knew a weak or ignorant perſon who had a good temper, though that conſtitutional good humour, and that docility, which fear ſtamps on the behaviour, often obtains the name. I ſay behaviour, for genuine meekneſs never reached the heart or mind, unleſs as the effect of reflection; and that ſimple reſtraint produces a number of peccant humours in domeſtic life, many ſenſible men will allow, who find ſome of theſe gentle irritable creatures, very troubleſome companions.
'Each ſex,' he further argues, 'ſhould preſerve its peculiar tone and manner; a meek huſband may have a wife impertinent; but mildneſs of diſpoſition on the woman's ſide will always bring a man back to reaſon, at leaſt if he be not abſolutely a brute, and will ſooner or later triumph over him.' True, the mildneſs of reaſon; but abject fear always inſpires contempt; and tears are only eloquent when they flow down fair cheeks.
Of what materials can that heart be compoſed, which can melt when inſulted, and inſtead of revolting at injuſtice, kiſs the rod? Is it unfair to infer that her virtue is built on narrow views and ſelfiſhneſs, who can careſs a man, with true feminine ſoftneſs, the very moment when he treats her tyrannically? Nature never dictated ſuch inſincerity;—and though prudence of this ſort be termed a virtue, morality becomes vague when any part is ſuppoſed to reſt on falſehood. Theſe are mere expedients, and expedients are only uſeful for the moment.
