Of Women.
SOme it their Praises of Women, say, they never speak but their words are too many in number for the weight of the sense; besides, the ground of their Discourse is impertinent, as Enquiries, who dined, and who supped at such a Table; what Looks, Words, and Actions, past amongst the Company; what Addresses such a Man made to such a Woman, and what En∣couragement they receiv'd in their Courtships; then, who was at Court, who at Church; or slandering, or defaming one an∣other; or bragging of themselves, what Clothes they have, or will have, what Coaches, or Lacqueys, what Love servants they have, or may have; what Men are like to dye for Love of them; what Feast they made for such a Company, who took them out to dance at such a Ball, who usher'd them out of Church, and who they saw there, and not what they heard there; and for their Pastimes, say, they are seldome at home, unless it be to re∣ceive Visits. Neither are they pleased with the Company of their own Sex; for if there be no Man amongst them, they are very dull, and as mute as one would wish; unless it be at a Gos∣sipping, where a Cup of good Liquor runs about: But if a Man be amongst them, of what Condition soever, but especially a vain Young Man, then their Pipes are set to the highest note, and with such ridiculous Laughter, as they seem neither to stand, or sit still; or they are dancing, playing, and toying with every thing: But in their grave Discourse they set their Countenance, and twinkle with their Eyes; and contract their Mouth in a round Compass, and speak their Words finely, and they that are not Handsom, as few Women think but that they are; Or if they be in Years, they strive to be thought Wits, and all their Discourse is of Love, justifying Loving Friendships by the Conversation of Souls. Some of the Graver sort run into State Affairs, and pre∣tend to be Politicks thereof: Others pretend to be learned in Divinity, and talk of Predestination, and Free-will, and Tran∣substantiation, and the like; and others pretend to Devotion, repeating of Scriptures, when, say they, the Thoughts, are Amo∣rously affected, as those who discourse wildly: Therefore, say they, it is no marvel if the Men be so prevalent in their Amorous Assaults, since the Women do so easily yield; nay, say they, they do more than yield, for they invite the Enemy to betray themselves. But these censuring Persons judge too rigorously, for the Faults of a few ought not to brand and condemn the