But when she formed a woman--it was then first, that she outdid
herself, and improved her own design. What are the broad and nervous
shoulders, what the compacted figure, and the vigorous step, when
contrasted with the well-turned limbs, the slender waist, the graceful
shoulders, and the soft and panting bosom? What are the manly front, the
stern, commanding eye, and the down-clad cheek, if we compare them with
the smooth, transparent complexion, the soft, faint blushes, and the
pretty, dimpled mouth? What are the strong, slow reason, the deep,
unfathomed science, and the grave and solemn wisdom, if they are brought
into competition with the sprightly sense, the penetrating wit, and the
inexhaustible invention? Does the stronger sex boast of its learning,
its deep researches, its sagacious discoveries? and have they a
coolness, a self-command, a never baffled prudence like that which woman
has exhibited? Do they pique themselves upon their courage, their
gallantry, and their adventure? Where shall we find among them a
patience, a mildness, a fortitude, a heroism, equal to that of the fair?
"Virtue has dwelt beneath the sun. Themis has left her throne on the
right hand of Jove, and descended to the globe of earth. We have seen
examples of disinterested rectitude, of inviolable truth, of sublime and
heaven-born benevolence.
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