The Learned Lady in England, 1650-1760Reynolds, Myra
History
The Learned Lady in England, 1650-1760
Reynolds, Myra
Women -- Education -- Great Britain; Women -- Great Britain; Women authors, English
Now thus much without vanity may be asserted of the subject,
that if all persons, both Ladies, much more Gentlemen, would
spend some of their tyme in Journeys to visit their native
Land, and be curious to Inform themselves and make observations
of the pleasant prospects, good buildings, different produces
and manufactures of each place, with the variety of sports and
recreations they are adapt to, would be a souveraign remedy to
cure or preserve ffrom these Epidemick diseases of vapours,
should I add Laziness?--it would also fform such an Idea of
England, add much to its Glory and Esteem in our minds and
cure the evil Itch of over-valueing fforeign parts; at least
ffurnish them with an Equivalent to entertain strangers when
amongst us, Or jnform them when abroad of their native Country,
which has been often a Reproach to the English, ignorance and
being strangers to themselves. Nay the Ladies might have matter
not unworthy their observation, soe subject for conversation,
within their own compass in each country to which they relate,
and thence studdy now to be serviceable to their neighbours
especially the poor among whome they dwell, which would spare
them the uneasye thoughts how to pass away tedious dayes, and
tyme would not be a burden when not at a card or dice table,
and the ffashions and manners of fforeign parts less minded
and desired.... But now I may be justly blamed to pretend to
give acc: of our Constitution, Customs, Laws, Lect, matters
farre above my Reach or capacity, but herein I have described
what have come within my knowledge either by view and reading,
or relation from others which according to my conception have
faithfully Rehearsed, but where I have mistaken in any form
or subject matter I easily submitt to a correction and will
enter such Erratas in a supplement annext to y^e Book of some
particulars since remark'd; and shall conclude with a hearty wish
and recommendation to all, but Especially my own Sex, the studdy
of those things which tends to Improve the mind and makes our
Lives pleasant and comfortable as well as proffitable in all the
Stages and Stations of our Lives, and render suffering and age
supportable and Death less fformidable and a future State more
happy.[231]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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