The characters, or, The manners of the age by Monsieur de la Bruyere ... made English by several hands ; with the characters of Theophrastus, translated from the Greek, and a prefatory discourse to them, by Monsieur de la Bruyere ; to which is added, a key to his Characters.

OF WOMEN.

*'TIs seldom that the Merit of a Woman is universally agreed on by both Sexes, because their Interests are extreamly different. The Women are Displeas'd with those very same Beauties in one another, which render them agreeable to the Men. A thousand Charms, which inflame us with the most vio∣lent and tender Love, move in them quite contrary passions, Aversion and Malice.

* The Greatness of some Women is all ar∣tificial: It consists in the Motions of their Eyes, the Toss of their Head, a Stately Mien, and a Superficial Wit, that passes on those who understand no better. There is in others an easie, natural Greatness, nothing beholden to Motions, Looks or Gesture, but springs from the Heart, and is the happy consequence of their noble Extraction: Their Merit is not Noisy or Ostentatious, but Solid, accompa∣ny••d with a thousand Vertues, which, in spight of all their Modesty, break out and

shine to all who have but Eyes to dis∣cern 'em.

* I cou'd wish to be a Woman, that is, a Fair and Beautiful Woman, from Thirteen to Two and Twenty; but after that Age, to be a Man again.

* Nature has been very kind to some young Ladies, but they are not sensible of the Hap∣piness: They Spoil by Affectation, those Gifts which they enjoy by the distinguishing favour of Heaven. The Tone of their Voice, their Mien is not their own: They study, they consult their Glasses, how to Dress themselves as much out of Nature as they can; and 'tis not without a great deal of Trouble, that they are able ••o make them∣selves less Agreeable.

* If 'tis the Ambition of Women only to appear Handsome in their own Eyes, they are in the right without doubt, to take what course they please to Beautify themselves, and in the choice of their Dress and Ornaments, to follow their own caprice and fancy. But if 'tis the Men whom they wou'd charm, if 'tis for them they Wash and Paint; I have told their votes in that case, and I do assure them from all the Men, or from the great∣est part, that, the White and Red they use, make 'em look hideous and frightful; that they hate as much to see Women with Paint on their Faces, as with false Teeth in their Mouths, or Balls to plump out their Cheeks, that they solemnly protest against all Art; which indeed does but make 'em ugly, and

is the last and infallible means that Heav'n takes to reclaim Men from their Love.

If Women were form'd by Nature what they make themselves by Art; if they were to lose in a Minute all the freshness of their their Complexion, and were to have their Faces as thick with Red and Paint, as they lay 'em on, they wou••d look on themselves as the most wretched Creatures in the World.

* A Coquet is one that is never to be per∣swaded out of her Inclination, for appearing always agreeable, nor out of the good Opinion she has of her own Beauty. Time and Years she regards as things that wrinkle and decay other Women, but forgets that Age is writ in the Face, and that the same Dress which be∣came her when she was young, does but make her look the older now. Affectation attends her ev••n sickness and pain. She dies in a High-head and colour'd Ribbonds.

* Lyce hears that anothe•• Coquet laughs at her pretending to Youth, and her wearing those Dresses which do not agree with a Wo∣man of Forty. Lyce is no less 'tis true; but Years with her have not twelve Months, nor do they add to her Age, that is, she thinks so, and when she looks in the Glass and lays on the Paint on her own Face, and sticks on the Patches, she confesses there is an Age, when 'tis not decent to affect to appear youthful, and that Clarice indeed with her Paint and Patches is very ridiculous.

* Women when they expect their Lovers, make great preparation in their Dress; but if

they are surpriz'd by them in it, they imme∣diately vanish and are seen no more. In the presence of indifferent Persons, what disor∣der they're sensible of, they rectify with ease, and before them make no scruple to adjust themselves, or else disappear for a moment and return drest.

* A fine Face is the finest of all Sights, and the sweetest Musick is the Sound of her Voice whom we love.

* That a Woman is agreeable depends on Fancy, but Beauty is something more real and independant on inclination and opinion.

* There are Women of such perfect Beau∣ty, and such transcendant Merit, that tho 'tis impossible for us not to love 'em, yet we dare not encourage our passion to hope for any greater favour, than that of seeing 'em and conversing with ••em.

* A Beautiful Woman that has the qualities of a Man of Honour, is of all the Conversa∣tion in the World the most delicious. In her alone is to be found all the Merit of both Sexes.

* Every little, kind accidental thing, that comes from the Fair, is strangely moving and perswasive to the Persons in whose favour 'tis intended. 'Tis not so with the Men; their Caresses, their Words, their Actions, are sin∣cere, and soft and transported, yet are not half so perswading.

* Caprice from Women is inseparable, and is the Counter-poison of their Beauty. It prevents the damage which their Beauty

wou'd otherwise do the Men, and cures 'em when no other Remedy will take effect.

* Women are engag'd to Men by the Fa∣vours they grant 'em. Men are disingag'd by the same Favours.

* When a Woman no longer loves a Man, she forgets him so much, as not to remember the favours he has receiv'd from her.

* A Woman that has but one Gallant thinks she is no Coquet: She that has more thinks her self but a Coquet.

* A Woman may avoid the Reputation of being a Coquet, by a firm engagement to one particular Person, who yet passes for a Fool for having made a bad choice.

* An old Gallant is of so little considera∣tion, that he must give way to a new Hus∣band, and a Husband is of so short duration, that a new Gallant justles him out of place.

* An old Gallant either fears or despises a new Rival, according to the Character of the Person he serves.

An old Gallant often wants nothing, but the name, to be a very Husband. He is ob∣lig'd to that circumstance, or else he wou'd have been discarded a thousand times.

* Few Intreigues are secret; a great many Women are not better known by their Hus∣bands names, than by the names of their Gallants.

* A Woman of Gallantry is Ambitious of being belov••d; tis enough for a Coquet, that she's thought lovely and desirable. The bu∣siness of one is to make an engagement, of

the other to make a Coquest. The first passes successively from one Engagement to another, the second has a great many Amusements on her hands at once. Passion and Pleasure are predominant in one, Vanity and Levity in the other. The gallantry of this proceeds from a weakness in the Heart, or perhaps a vice in Complexion; that the other is a Co∣quet proceeds from an irregularity of the Mind. The Gallant Lady is fear'd, the Coquet hated. From these two Characters might be form'd a third, which wou'd be the worst in the World.

* A weak Woman is one that being guilty of a Fault, reproaches herself more than she's reproacht: Her Heart is in a perpetual War with her Reason. She wou'd fain be cur'd of her folly, but is hardly ever cur'd; at least 'tis very long first.

* An Inconstant Woman, is one, that is no longer in Love, a False Woman is one, that is already in Love with another Person. She's Fickle, that neither knows whom she loves, nor whether she loves or no; and she's In∣different who does not love at all.

* Treachery in Women is an Art of Dis∣posing ev'ry Word and Action, of Managing Oaths and Promises in the best manner to de∣ceive; the last of which it costs 'em no more to break, than it did at first to make 'em.

* A Faithless Woman, if known for such by the Person concern'd, is but Faithless still: She is Treacherous who when she is most con∣fided in, proves False.

This Good we get from the Perfidious∣ness of Women, that it cures us of our Jea∣lousy.

* Some Women in their Course of Life have a double Engagement to maintain, which to break, or to dissemble is equally difficult; In one there's nothing wanting but the Ceremony of the Church, and in the other nothing but the Heart.

* To judge of that Lady by her Beauty, her Youth, her Severity, and her Pride, you wou'd swear none but a Hero cou'd one day succeed with her. At last, she has made her Choice; and what is it? A little Monster, that has not one Grain of Sense.

* Women that are past their Prime, seem Naturally to be the Refuge of Young Fel∣lows who have no great Estates. 'Tis their Character at least, if 'tis not their Disposition, tho for my part, I can't tell whose Misfor∣tune is most to be lamented; That of a Wo∣man advanc'd in Years who stands in need of a Spark; or that of a Spark who stands in need of an Old Woman.

* One, that is the Refuse of the Court, in the City is receiv'd into the With-drawing Room. There he triumphs; the Magistrate he routs, tho he's drest like a Beau; and the Citizen, tho he's got his long Perruque and his Sword on: He beats 'em all out of the Field, and possesses himself of the place. He alone is regarded and belov'd. There's no holding out against a Gold Scarf and a White Plume, no resisting a Man that talks

to the King, and visits the Ministers. The Men and Women are jealous of him. He is admir'd and envy'd: four Leagues off, he is despis'd and pity••d.

* A Citizen appears to a Woman that was never out of the Country, what a Courtier does to another of the Sex, that never had but City-breeding.

* A Man that is vain, indiscreet, a great Talker, and a Bouffon, one who speaks im∣pudently of himself, and contemptibly of o∣thers; who is extravagant, haughty, imper∣tinent, without Morality, Honesty, or Sense, and a Libertine in Imagination; such a Man, I say, wants nothing to be ador'd by abundance of Women, but a few tolerable Features and a good Shape.

* Is it for Secrecy, or from what strange Distraction, that such a Lady loves her Foot∣man, another a Monk, and Dorinna her Physician?

* † 1.1 Rofci••s treads the Stage with admirable Grace. Yes, | 1.2 Lelia, so he does: I'll tell you too, his Legs are well made, he acts well, and has very long parts. He declaims with so much Ease, that as they say, 'tis only for him to open his Mouth to do it to Perfection. But is ••he the only Person of his Profession that is agreeable; or is his Profession indeed the noblest and most honorable in the World? However, Roscius is not for you: He is anothers, on if he were not, he's re∣tain'd. Claudia waits for him till he's dis∣gusted with Messalina. Take † 1.3 Bathyllus then,

Lelia; bu•• where shall you find him? I'll not promise you amongst the best quality, but you'll not miss of him amongst the Comedi∣ans. He's a young man of great hopes; there's none that in Dancing can rise so high, or cut a Caper to compare with him. Or what think you of Cobus the Tumbler, who turns himself quite round in the Air, before he lights upon the ground? but perhaps you know that he is old; and for Bathyllus you say, the Croud about him is still too great. He refuses more Women than he can gratify. Well, then you shall have † 1.4 Draco the Fiddler, none of all his profession swells a pair of Cheeks with so much decency as he does, when he gives breath either to the Flute, the Haut-bois or the Flagelet, for 'tis an infinite number of Instruments that he has skill in. So pleasant and good humour'd he is too, that he condescends to play with the little Boys and Girls: Who eats or drinks more at a Feast, than Draco? He drinks down the whole Company, and is the last. Man that falls. You sigh Lelia: Is it because Draco is fixt in his choice, or that, you are unfortu∣nately prevented in him? Is he at last en∣gag'd to * 1.5 Cesonia, who has so long pursu'd him, and for whom she has sacrific'd such a train of Lovers, I may safely say, all the flower of Rome? to Cesonia, who is her self of a Patrician family, is Young, Beautiful and Grave. Well, I pity your misfortune, since you, I see, are toucht with that Contagion which reigns in our Roman Ladies, of doating on

these publick men, as they're call'd; whose condition of life exposes 'em to the common view; what will you do now since the best of that kind are taken up? There's Brontes left still, the Executioner, every body talks of his Strength and Dexterity: He's black 'tis true, a Negro, but the Fellow is young, has broad Shoulders and a brawny Back.

* The Women of the world look on a Gar∣diner as a Gardiner, and a Mason as a Ma∣son: Your Recluse Ladies look on a Mason as a Man, and a Gardiner as a Man: Every thing is a Temptation to them who fear it.

* Some Women divide themselves between the Church and their Lovers: They are Gallant and Devout: They have their places within the Rails of the Altar, where they read their Billets Doux, and where for any thing you see of 'em, you wou••d think 'em at their Prayers to Heaven.

* How is a Woman the better for being Directed? Is she more Dutiful to her Hus∣band, kinder to her Servants, more careful of her Family, and her concerns, more zealous and sincere to serve her friends? Is she less a Slave to her Humour, less govern'd by Inte∣rest, and less in love with the Conveniencies of life? I do not ask if she makes large Pre∣sents to her Children that have no need of 'em, but if having Wealth enough and to spare, she furnishes 'em with what is necessa∣ry, and gives 'em what's their due. Is she more exempt from the love of her self, or further from loving others, or freer from all

worldly engagements? No, say you, none of all these things. I insist upon it then, and I ask you how is a Woman the better for being directed? Oh! I understand you, she had got a Director but that••s all.

* If the Confessor and the Director can∣not agree about the Rule of Conduct, what third Person shall a Woman chose to be Arbi∣trator in that case?

* 'Tis not so much a Woman's Business to provide her self with a Director, as to live so discreetly as not to need one.

* If a Woman wou'd tell her Confessor, among the rest of her weaknesses, That which she has for her Director, and what Time she mis-spends in his Company, perhaps her Director might be injoin'd leaving her, for a Pennance.

* If I had the Liberty, which I cou'd wish, I wou'd certainly cry out, as loud as I were able, to some of those Holy Men who have been made Martyrs by Women, Fly Wo∣men. Do not you direct 'em, but let others, that will, a Gods Name, take care of their Salvation.

* 'Tis too much for a Man to have a Wife, both a Coquet, and a Bigot, one of these Qualities at once is enough in Conscience.

* I have defer'd a long Time, saying some∣thing, which, for all my struggling to suppress it must out at last, and I hope my freedom may be of some Service to those Ladies, who not having enough of a Confessor to instruct 'em, use no manner of Judgment in the choice of their Directors.

I admire, I stand amaz'd to behold some People that shall b•• nameless. I gaze, I look fixtly on 'em; They speak, I listen, I am all Ears; They tell me some matters, I take particular notice; yet after all, cannot I com∣prehend for my Life, how these People, whom I think in all things to he diametrical∣ly opposite to right Reason, good Sense, all Experience of the World, Knowledge of Mankind, Religion and Morality; how, I say, they can presume that Heaven shou••d in their Persons renew in our Days the Miracles of the Apostleship, in making them, poor, mean, ignorant Wretches, capable of the Ministry of Souls; which of all Offices, is the Noblest and most Sublime. But if on the contrary, they fancy themselves born fit for so high and difficult a Function, that few are Qualify'd for it, ••and perswade themselves that in undertaking it, they do but exercise their Natural Gifts, and follow it like some Ordi∣nary Calling, I confess, I comprehend it still less.

I see very well, 'tis the Satisfaction of being privy to the Secrets of Families, of be∣ing necessary in making Reconciliations, procuring Employment••, or helping 'em to Servants; 'tis the pleasure of finding all the Doors open to 'em at Noble-mens Houses, of eating frequently at good Tables, of being carry'd up and down the Town in a Coach, of making a delicious Retreat in the Country, of seeing Persons of great Rank and Quality concern themselves in their Life and Health, and of managing for others and themselves all

worldly Interests: I see very well, that 'tis for the sake of these things only, which makes 'em take up the laudable and specious pretence of the Care of Souls, and has propagated in the World that incredible Swarm of Di∣rectors.

* Devotion comes upon some People, but especially upon the Women, either as a Pas∣sion, or as one of the Infirmities of Age, or as a Fashion which they are oblig'd to follow. They reckon the Week by the Employments of the several Days. There are their Days of Gaming, of going to the Play, the Con∣cert, the Masquerade and to Church. On Mon∣days, they throw away their Money at Isme∣na's; on Tuesdays they throw away their Time at Climene's, and on Wednesdays their Reputa∣tion at ••elimene's. They know over-night what's to be done the next morning. They enjoy at once the present Pleasure and the future. They only wish that 'twas but possi∣ble to unite 'em both in one day. For no∣thing troubles 'em, nothing grieves 'em, but that when they are at the Opera, they can∣not be the same moment at the Play. At other Times, they have other Manners. Their Austerity and Retirement are altoge∣ther as Extravagant. They hardly open their Eyes, they're so Demure, or make any use of their Senses, and what is indeed Incredi∣ble, they speak little. They think tho, and that very well of themselves, and ill enough of others. They Envy one anothers Vertue and Reformation, as before they were Jea∣lous

upon a different account. The Pride of outvying one another, continues still in this new course of Life, which reign'd in that which they lately quitted, either out of Po∣licy or Disgust. Their Intreaguing, Luxury and Sloth Damn'd them before very gayly••; now their Presumption and Envy will Damn them as surely, tho not so merrily.

* What, Hermas, if I shou••d marry a Cove∣tous Woman, she will be sure not to ruine me: or if I shou'd marry one that Games, she may inrich me: or a Woman of Learning, she will know how to instruct me; or one that's Precise, she will not be Passionate; or one that's Passionate, she will exercise my Pati∣ence; or a Woman of Gallantry, she will perhaps be so Gallant as to love me in my turn; or suppose one of your Devout Ladies. But then tell me, Hermas, what ought I to expect from her, who wou'd deceive ev'n Heaven, and who really deceives herself?

* A Woman is easily Govern'd, provided a Man gives himself the Trouble. One Man often Governs a great ma••y: He cultivates their Wit and Memory, fixes and determines them in their Religion, and undertakes to regu∣late their very Hearts: They neither approve nor disapprove, commend or condemn, till they have consulted his face and eyes: He is the Confident of their Joys, their Griefs, their Desires, their Jealousies, their Aversions and their Amours: He makes 'em break with their Gallants, embroils and reconciles 'em to their Husbands, and then makes his ad∣vantage

of the Intervals: He takes care of their concerns, sollicits their Law-suits, and visits the Judges for 'em: He recommends to 'em their Physician, their Tradesmen and Workmen: He takes upon him to provide 'em Lodgings, to furnish 'em and order their Equipage: He is to be seen with 'em in their Coaches, in the Streets and Walks, as well as in their Pew at Church, and their Box at the Play: He makes the same visits with ••em, waits on 'em to the Bath, the Waters, and in their Journeys: He has the best Apartment at their Houses in the Country: He grows old without falling from his Authority: having a little Wit and a great deal of Leisure; he wants nothing more to preserve it. The Children, Heirs, the Daughter-in-law, the Niece, the Servants all depend on him. He began by making himself esteem'd, and ends by making himself fear••d. This old and necessary Friend dyes without being regretted, and ten or a do∣zen Women, over whom he was a very Tyrant, come to Inherit their Liberty by his Death.

* Some Wom•••• have endeavour'd to con∣ceal their Conduct, under an exteriour form of Modesty, but the best Character they have got by the closest and most constant Dissimu∣lation, has been to have it said, One wou'd in∣••eed have taken her for a Vestal.

* 'Tis a strong proof that a Woman has a fair and establisht Reputation, when 'tis not blemisht by the familiarity of those who do not resemble her••; and when, for all the propensity of people to make ill constructions,

they are forc't to have recourse to some other reason for this intimacy, than that of agree∣ment of Manners.

* An Actor exceeds Nature in the parts he plays; a Poet exaggerates in his descripti∣ons. A Painter who draws after the life, heightens the Passion, the Contrast and the Postures, and he that copies him, unless he measures exactly the sizes and proportions, will make his Figures too big, and give more scope to all the parts, thro the disposition of the whole piece, than they have in the Ori∣ginal. 'Tis the same with the Precise or Formal, they are but the imitators of the Wise.

There is a false Modesty, which is Vanity; a false Glory, which is Folly; a false Gran∣deur, which is Meanness; a false Vertue, which is Hypocrisy; and a false Wisdom, which is Formality.

The formal Lady is all show and words; the Conduct of the Wise Woman is better than her words. One follows her Humour and Fancy, the other her Reason and Affecti∣on. This is precise and austere, the other is on all occasions exactly what she ought to be. The first hides her Failings under a plausible outside: The second covers a rich Treasure of Vertues, under a free and care∣less Air. Formality puts a constraint on the Wit, neither does it hide Age or Wrinkles; it gives cause to suspect 'em often; Wisdom on the contrary palliates the Defects of the Body, and ennobles the Mind. It renders

Youth more charming, and Beauty more dangerous.

* Why should Men be blam••d because Women have not Learning? What Laws, what Edicts have they publish••d, to prohi∣bit 'em ••rom opening their Eyes, R••ading, Remembring, or making their advantage of what they••ve read, when the•• write, or when they converse? Is not this ignorance of theirs owing to a custom they have intro∣duc••d themselves; or to the weakness of their Nature; or to laziness, that they will not use their Wit; or to an inconstancy, that will not let 'em prosecute any long Study; or to a Genius and Talent which they have only to employ their Fingers; or to a natural aversion for all things serious and difficult; or to a Curiosity very far from that which gratifies the Mind; or to a quite different pleasure than that of exercising the Memory. But whatever cause it is, to which Men are oblig••d for this Ignorance of the Women; 'tis certain they are happy, that the Women who have such Pre-eminence over 'em in so many things, shou'd even have this advantage too, which they do not intend to grudge 'em.

A VVoman with Learning, we look on, as we do on a fine Gun: the workmanship of it is rare, 'tis engrav'd most curiously, and kept wonderfully bright, but then 'tis only fit to adorn a Closet, to be shown them who admire such things. 'Tis of no more use or service, either for the Camp, or for hunting

than a Manag'd Horse, let him be never so well taught.

VVhere I find Learning and Wisdom uni∣ted in any one Person, I never stand to enquire the Sex, I admire 'em: And if you tell me that a Wise VVoman is seldom Learned, or a Learned VVoman seldom Wise; 'tis a sign you have forgot what you read just before, that the reason why VVomen were diverted from Science, was upon the account of certain Defects. Now do you judge your self, if they who have fewest Defects•• are not the most likely to be the wisest; and so consequently a Wise VVoman bids fairest for Learning, and a Learned Woman cou'd never be such, without having overcome a great many Defects, which is an infallible proof of her Wisdom.

* 'Tis a difficult point to maintain a Neutrality, when two Women who are equally our friends, fall out upon Interests, in which we are not at all concern'd: we must be often oblig'd to take one side or the other, or we loose 'em both.

* There are those Women in the world who love their Money above their Friends, yet will part with their Money to their Lovers.

* 'Tis strange to see Passions in some VVomen, stronger and more violent than that of their love to Men: I mean Ambition and Play. Such VVomen make the Men chaste, and have nothing of their own Sex but the Cloaths they wear.

* VVomen are all in extreams: They ar•• either better or worse than Men.

* Most VVomen have no Principles. They are led by their Passions, and those whom they love form their Manners.

* Women exceed the generality of Men in love, but in friendship we have infinitely the advantage.

The Men are the occasion, that Women do not love one another.

* Mocking is of ill consequence. Lyce who is something in years, to make a young Woman appear ridiculous, makes her self so deform'd that she is frightful. To imitate her, she uses such Grimaces, and puts her self in such distorted Figures, that now she's grown so horribly ugly, that the Person whom she mocks, cannot have a better Foil.

* In the City, they will have it, that there are Idiots, both Men and Women, who have some Wit: At Court they will have it, that there are abundance of People who really have Wit, yet want a great deal more. These last Criticks will hardly allow a Beautiful Woman to have as much Wit as the rest of her Sex.

* A Man is sooner to be trusted with ano∣ther Persons secret, than his own. A Woman on the contrary, keeps her own Secret, tho she keeps no bodies else.

* Let Love seem never so violently and so entirely to possess the Heart of a young Woman, there's room enough still left for Ambition and Interest.

* There is a time when the richest Wo∣men ought to Marry. They seldom let slip an opportunity at first, but it costs 'em a long Repentance. The Reputation of a Fortune, decays as well as Beauty.

On the contrary, every thing is favourable to the young of that Sex, even the Mens opinion, who are fond of giving 'em all the advantages possible to render 'em still more Desirable.

* To how many Women has a great Beau∣ty been of no service at all, but to make em hope for a great Fortune?

* Lovers, who have been ill us'd, have their revenge at last. They commonly see their Mistresses, tho Beautiful, throw away themselves on ugly, old, or undeserving Husbands.

* Most Women judge of the Merit and good Mein of a Person, by what impression they make on them, and very rarely allow him either, if they are not sensibly toucht themselves.

* He that is in doubt to know what alte∣ration his Age has made in him, needs only to consult the Eyes of the Fair One he ad∣dresses to, and the tone of her Voice as she talks with him, and he will learn there what he fears to know! But oh how hard a Lesson!

* The Woman that has her Eyes con∣stantly fixt on one particular Person, or whose Eyes you may observe constantly to avoid him; tho they are two different

Motions, they make us conclude but one and the same thing of her.

* The Women are not at so little trouble to express what they never feel, as the Men are to Express the real Sentiments of their Heart.

* Sometimes it happens that a Woman conceals from a Man the Passion she has for him, while he only feigns the Passion he professes for her.

* Is a man suspected of indifference? He returns presently, wou'd any one offer to perswade a Person that he loves her, whom he has no Concernment for? But what an∣swer can he make to this Question? Is it not easier to deceive the Woman who loves you, than her that does not?

* A Man by feigning an Inclination may deceive a Woman, but then he must have no real Engagement elsewhere.

* A Man for the present rails and curses at a Woman whom he no longer cares for, and quickly forgets the loss of her. A Wo∣man is not so outragious for being left, but the Regret lasts a long time.

* Idleness is never cur'd in Women but by Vanity or Love. Tho on the contrary in Women of a brisk and sprightly Temper, 'tis the Presage of Love.

* 'Tis cartain that a Woman who writes with warmth is agitated, tho 'tis not so cer∣tain that she's truly sensible. A Passion that is sincere and tender, is more likely to be pensive and silent, and for a Woman who is no

longer at Liberty, it seems to be more her Interest to be well assur'd of her Gallants affection, than to be too forward to con∣vince him of her own.

* Glycera does not love her own Sex; she hates their Conversation and their Visits; she orders her self to be deny'd to 'em, often to her very Friends, who are not many: She's reserv'd to 'em, allows of nothing but bare Friendship from 'em, is uneasy with 'em, answers 'em in Monosyllables, and seems to seek all occasions to get rid of 'em. She affects to be alone, and retir'd at her own House. Her Gate is more strictly Guarded, and her Chamber more inaccessible than a Minister of States. Yet there is One that is expected, admitted at all Hours, Corinna, who is embrac'd a thousand times, Carest and Whisper'd with, tho they're alone in the Closet, there's such attention given to all she says, that both Ears are hardly suffi∣cient to hear her discourse. She is assur'd again and again, that every body else is Troublesome, and is inform'd of all Pas∣sages, tho she learns no News, for she is the Confident of both Parties. However Glyc••ra is to be seen abroad in Company, at the Ball, the Theatre, the Walks, on the Road to Ve∣nouse, where they eat Fruit early in the Season, sometimes alone in a Chair on the way to the Grand Faubourg, where she has a delicious Orchard: Or at Canidia's Door, who pro∣fesses so many rare secrets, who promises second Husbands to young Wives, and tells

••em the time when, and all the Circum∣stances. She appears commonly in Night∣cloaths, loose and negligent, in a plain Disha∣bille, without Stays and in Slippers. She is Charming in this Dress, and wants nothing but a little Colour. 'Tis observable tho, that she wears about her a very curious Jewel, which she takes special care to conceal from her Husbands Eyes. Him she Caresses, is fond of, and every day invents some new, pretty Name for him, has no other Bed, but that of her dear Husbands, and wou'd not lye from him for the world. The morning she spends at her Toilette, and in writing some necessary Billets. A Servant enters and speaks to her in private: 'Tis Parmeno, her Favorite whom she supports in spight of his Masters aversion, and his fellow-servants envy. He deserves it indeed; for who takes a hint sooner, or does a message better? who has a greater Gift of secrecy in those things which are not to be spoken of? who understands how to open a Door with less noise? who is a better Guide up a back pair of Stairs, or who has a more cleaver con∣veyance down again the same way?

* I cannot understand how a Husband who gives himself up to his own ill humour, and temper, who conceals none of his ill qualities, but on the contrary exposes them all; is covetous, slovenly, surly, rude, neg∣lectful and sullen; I cannot conceive, I say, how such a Man can hope to Defend the heart of a young Woman from her Gallants

attempts who uses Dressing, Magnificence, Complaisance, Care, Assiduity, Presents and Flattery, to win her••

* A Husband seldom has a Rival whom he does not make himself; and whom he does not, as it were, make a Present of to his Wife. He is always praising him before her for his handsomeness, for his fine Teeth. He receives his visits, and encourages his assidui∣ty, and next to what comes off his own ground, nothing relishes better with him, than the Fowl and Fruit his friend sends him. He makes a Treat, and bids his Guests fall to on such a thing: 'Tis Leander's, says he, and does not cost me any thing but thanks.

* There are those Wives, who bury their Husbands before their time: That is, a Hus∣band with one of those Ladies is not so much as mention'd in the world, 'tis doubted whe∣ther such a man is alive or no. In the Family he is a Cypher, of no use, except it be to show an example of perfect Submission, Fear and Silence. He has nothing to do with Por∣tion and Settlement: If 'twere not that he does not lye in, one wou'd almost take him for the Wife, and her for the Husband. They may be a quarter of a year in the house together, without any danger of meeting one another. They live as if they were only Neighbours. He pays the Butcher and Cook, but 'tis my Lady that gives the Treat. They have nothing in common, neither Bed nor Table. They have not so much as the same name: They live after

the Roman and Greek manner. She has her name, and he his, and 'tis a long time, and not before one is well acquainted with the Language of the Town, that one comes to know at last, that Mr B. and Madam L. have been Man and Wife this twenty years.

* There are some Wives, who if they brought no other Plagues with 'em, are vexa∣tious enongh to their Husbands upon the account of their great Birth, and Alliances and Fortune; upon the account of their Beauty and Merit, and of that, which some People call Vertue.

* There are few Wives so perfect, who do not give their Husbands cause once a day to repent of their Marriage, or at least to envy a Man that is unmarry'd.

* Silent, stupid Grief is out of Fashion. Women now adays are very talkative in their Sorrow. They are so toucht with their Husbands Death, that they do not forget to tell you, and repeat to you every circum∣stance of it.

* Is it impossible for a Man to discover the art of making his Wife to love him?

* The Woman that is Insensible, is one that has not yet seen the person whom she ought to Love.

In Smyrna there liv'd a young Lady of ex∣traordinary Beauty call'd Emira; who yet was not more famous for her Beauty, than for the severity of her Manners; and above all, for a strange Indifference that she had for all Men, whom, as she said, she beheld

without any danger, and without any other concernment, than what she felt for her Friends, or her Brothers. She cou'd not be∣lieve the thousandth part of all the follies, which, she was told, Love had been the cause of; and those which she saw herself, she cou'd not comprehend. Friendship was the only thing she had any notion of, and that she made the first experiment of, in a young and beautiful person of her own Sex: She found in her friendship, something so very soft and pleasing, that her only Study was how to continue it; never imagining that any other Inclination cou'd arise, which shou••d make her less to cherish that esteem and confidence which she priz••d so much then. Her discourse was only of Euphrosina, which was the name of that faithful friend, and the discourse of all Smyrna, was only of Euphrosina and her. Their Friendship became a Proverb. Emira had two Brothers, both so young and so handsome, that all the Wo∣men of that City were in love with 'em, and whom she lov'd herself, as became a Sister. One of the Priests of Iupiter had access to her Fathers house, and being ravisht with her Beauty, ventur'd to declare his Passion to her, but came off only with Scorn and Con∣tempt. An old man, who relying on his great Birth and Estate, had the same assu∣rance, met with the same success. She Tri∣umphs on this; she was surrounded by her Brothers, a Priest, and an Old Man, and cou'd boast herself Insensible; but these were

not the greatest Tryals that Heaven had re∣serv'd ••or her; yet they too, had no other ef∣fect but to render her still more Vain, and to confirm her in the reputation of being a per∣son that was not to be toucht with Love. Of three Lovers, whom her Charms had gain'd her, one after another, and all whose Passions she was not afraid to see and to slight, the first in an Amorous Transport stabb'd himself at her feet, the second in Despair of ever succeeding, wen•• to seek his Death in the Wars of Crete; and the third ended his days in a Miserable Languishment and Di∣straction. The man that was to revenge all these, had not yet appear'd. The old Spark, who was so unfortunate in his Amours, was cur'd at length, by reflecting on his Age, and on the character of the person, to whom he had made his Addresses. However, he was desirous to visit her sometimes, and had her Permission. One day, he carry'd along with him his Son, a Youth of a most agreeable Aspect, and of a noble Mein: She be∣held him with some Interest more than ordi∣nary, but observing him very silent, as he was, in the presence of his Father, she made a judgment of his Wit from thence not much to his advantage. She cou'd have wisht he had had more. He saw her afterwards alone, and then he talkt to her sufficiently, and wittily too; but when he regarded her less, and talkt to her less about her self and her Beauty, than she expected, she was surpriz'd, and had, as it were, some indignation, that

a Man who was so well made, and had so much Wit, shou'd be so little Gallant. Her Friend had exprest a Desire to see him, and was in company when she entertain'd him; that was the reason. 'Twas for Euphrosina alone that he had Eyes, and her Beauty alone which he commended. This made Emira, from being Indifferent, to become Jealous; and then she perceiv••d, that Ctesiphon was sen∣sible of what he said; and that he not only was capable of Gallantry, but of Tenderness. From that time she is more reserv'd to her friend, yet desirous to see 'em together once more. The second Interview more than sa∣tisfy'd her in all her fears, her doubt was turn'd into certainty. She now flyes from Euphrosina, no longer knows that Merit which charm'd her before, she loses all relish of her conversation, she loves her no longer; and this alteration made her sensible that 'twas Love, which in her heart, had sup∣ply'd the place of friendship. Ctesiphon and Euphrosina see one another every day. They love mutually; they agree to marry: They are marry••d. The news is spread about the Town, and People publish it the more for the rarity of it, that two persons who Love so well, shou'd be blest in Enjoyment. Emira hears of it, and is all enrag'd, she feels then to what height her Passion was grown. She seeks out Euphrosina again, only for the pleasure of one sight of Ctesiphon, but that young Husband has not yet quitted the Lover: in a new Wife he finds all the Charms of a

Mistriss, which makes him that he cannot look on Emira, but as on the friend of her that's dear to him. This compleats the poor Lady's misfortune. She can take no rest, refuses all sustenance, her Body grows weak, and her Mind disturb'd. She mistakes her Brother for Ctesiphon, and speaks to him as to a Lover. She recollects her self, and blushes for her Distraction, yet relapses into greater, which she does not blush for. She knows not what she does. Then is she apprehensive of Men, when 'tis too late. 'Tis her Folly now. She has her Intervals of Reason; but 'tis of Reason that she most complains. In this condition she lyes so sad and miserable, that the Youth of Smyrna, who before had seen her so proud and insensible, now think Heaven has punisht her but too severely.

Notes

• † 1.1

  Baron the Actor.
• | 1.2

  Madam de la Ferte
• † 1.3

  Precourt.
• † 1.4

  Filbert.
• * 1.5

  Madam de Bouillon.