Fenelon's Treatise on the Education of Daughters: Translated from the French, and Adapted to English ReadersFénelon, François de Salignac de La Mothe-
Philosophy
Fenelon's Treatise on the Education of Daughters: Translated from the French, and Adapted to English Readers
Fénelon, François de Salignac de La Mothe-
Women -- Education
they fond of the reputation of being anxious for the good education of
their children, and yet are unwilling to be at the pains of complying
with the most indispensable rules of it.
[19] I recommend the sensible mother, who has really the happiness
of her daughter at heart, to peruse and reperuse the excellent
observations on this head, which are to be found in a little
pamphlet, lately published by the Rev. Mr. Owen; entitled "The
Fashionable World Displayed."
Let us conclude with the picture which the wise man has drawn of a
_virtuous woman_.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above
rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her,
so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him
good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh
wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She
is like the merchant ships, she bringeth her food from
afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth
meat to her household, and a proportion to her maidens. She
considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her
hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with
strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that
her merchandize is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the
distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she
reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid
of the snow for her household: for all her household are
clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of
tapestry, her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is
known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the
land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it, and delivereth
girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her
clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. She
openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law
of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household,
and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise
up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth
her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest
them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a
woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give
her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise
her in the gates."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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