to venture on so bold an undertaking*." If this diffidence could be felt by one in whom such talents and virtues were united, as have seldom met together to bless the living generation, or shed their light on posterity, it would be strange indeed, if the present writer did not shrink at her temerity in coming forward at all. Memoirs of Sir Samuel Romilly, vol. i., p. 243. November, 1840. CONTENT S. Terms "Nature" and "Natural" used in two senses. First. THE PRACTICES OF SAVAGE LIFE ARE NO TEST OF WHAT Illustrations. Importance of knowing what is really a Savages are sometimes found gentle and innocent. Women utility. Power leads to oppression, without peculiar temper. Page CONDITION OF WOMEN IN SAVAGE STATES Women degraded. Oppression of women springs more CONDITION OF WOMEN IN BARBAROUS STATES Introductory reflections on the means of happiness. Athenian women. Moral and mental effects of seclusion. Spartan women. Reflections on education. Romans in the early times of the republic. Self-interest, pride, and prejudice distinguished from patriotism. Later times of the republic. Freedom of divorce a SOURCES OF THE CHIVALROUS SPIRIT Chivalry traced to the East. Present habits of the Page 115 Precise origin of chivalry not known. Supposed origin of The chivalrous respect for women incompatible with the supposition of universal vice. Why its spirit degene- rated. Its character varied at different periods. It raised the standard of opinion permanently, especially as regards women. How to estimate the knightly character. Condition of women not absolutely as good in the times of chivalry as the present. Chivalry related chiefly to the noble. Its influence on the treatment of other classes. Opinion of St. Palaye that Changes of feeling produced by the Reformation and the Christianity is liable to corruption. One of two leading characters must prevail in every religion. The cere- monial religion. Religion of principle. Evils of not cultivating reason. Tenacity of prejudice. Women still subject to unjust privations. Relation between religion and knowledge. Certain principles of justice are clear to all mankind. Injustice in the long run no benefit even to the aggressor. Natural right. Due subordination preserves more right than it restrains. Society would benefit by applying justice to the rights of women. Equality between all the members of society is no part of justice. Duty of submission based on mutual advantages. Empire of opinion. It |