YOUTHFUL FOLLY DETECTED. _WRITTEN FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOUTH, PARTICULARLY THE_ FEMALE SEX. The maid that walks in folly’s path, Thoughtless and heedless as she goes; Will land in misery at last, Beset around with many foes: But she who minds instruction young, Attentive to her bus’ness stays; In sweetest notes her name is sung, On harps of gold, where virtue plays. WALPOLE, N. H. PRINTED AT THE OBSERVATORY PRESS, _BY DAVID NEWHALL_. 1804. _ADVERTISEMENT._ The following hints were originally designed for the benefit of a few individuals, for whom the author had a particular regard, and also felt himself under obligations to give them all that instruction which might be deemed necessary to guide them in the paths of virtue and morality, and to shun those vices which often ruin the female sex, and are too predominant in the world. But as all young people are in one predicament, and instructions that are suitable for one, may be equally applied to the whole; therefore, for the benefit of the present, and future rising generations, these few lines are made public. And although the Author would not blush to own this piece of work, yet, for certain reasons, his name is concealed. [Illustration] TO YOUNG FEMALES, &c. The most critical time of youth, especially of the female sex, is while they are in their juvenile years. At this age, when they are entering as it were upon the borders of life, to act in some degree for themselves, the greatest care and attention ought to be paid to them. And from the age of puberty, until they arrive to maturity, and are settled in the world, they ever ought to be considered as under the care and protecting eye of their parents, guardians, or masters. How can parents, guardians, or masters, feel as though they had discharged their duty towards their children, and those under their care, in this respect, when they see them, entering on the wheels of time, exposed to all the temptations of an alluring world, and scarcely or never give them one check or caution!