Lady
The Ladies Defence: (Chap. 7)
Then taught to Work, to Dance, to Sing and Play, and vainly trifle all your Hours away, proud that you've learnt the little Arts to please, as being incapable of more than these your shallow Minds can nothing else contain,
you were not made for labors of the Brain; those are the Manly Toils which we sustain. We, like the Ancient Giants, stand on high, and seem to bid Defiance to the sky, while you poor worthless Insects crawl below, and less than Mites tour exalted Reason show. Yet by Compassion for your Frailties moved, I've strove to make you fit to be beloved.
Sir John. That is a Task exceeds your utmost Skill, Spite of your Rules, they will be women still wives are the common Nuisance of the State; They all our Troubles, all our Cares create, And more than Taxes, ruin an Estate. Would they, like Lucifer, were doomed to Hell, That we might here without disturbance dwell, then we should uncontrolled our wealth employ, drink high, and take a full Repast of joy damn care, and bravely roar away our Time, and still be buried in some noble crime. Like to the happier brutes, live unconfined, and freely chose among the Female kind. So lived the mighty Thunderer of old, loved as he pleased, and scorned to be controlled No Kindred Names his Passion could restrain Like him I'll think all Nice Distinctions vain; And tired with one, to a new Mistress fly, Blest with the Sweets of dear Variety.
Melissa. To live at large a punishment would prove to one acquainted with the joys of love. Sincere Affection centers but in one, and cannot be to various objects shown. would men prove kind, respectful, just and true, And unto us their former vows renew,