103 
leaving them at full leisure to pursue, without distractions of 
jealousy, the business of the day. It also prevents those bitter 
feuds and lasting animosities, which poison the minds of contend- 
ing rivals, otherwise formed for mutual esteem and friendship. It 
preserves the marriage-bed not only from pollution, but also from 
the dread of it: and it secures women from those delusions and 
temptations, which irritate the mind with fleeting joys, leaving 
behind the permanent sting of bitter remorse! while never having 
tasted the universal triumph and dominion which beauty gives in 
the circles of Europe, the loss of power is not added to the painful 
sensation of fading charms*" 
