The comparison with the rich still occurs to me; for, when men
neglect the duties of humanity, women will follow their example;
a common stream hurries them both along with thoughtless
celerity. Riches and honours prevent a man from enlarging his
understanding, and enervate all his powers by reversing the order
of nature, which has ever made true pleasure the reward of
labour. Pleasure -- enervating pleasure is, likewise, within
women's reach without earning it. But, till hereditary
possessions are spread abroad, how can we expect men to be proud
of virtue? And, till they are, women will govern them by the most
direct means, neglecting their dull domestic duties to catch the
pleasure that sits lightly on the wing of time.
