Characteristicks, of men, manners, opinions, times, 1711 [ ]
… belong'd to handle these Subjects, have done it in such a manner as to put the better Sort out of countenance with the Undertaking. The appropriating this Concern to mere Scholasticks, has brought their Fashion and Air into the … Helps of Learning and sound Reason. Even the Fair Sex, in whose favour we pretend to make this Condescension, may with reason despise us for it, and laugh at us for aiming at their peculiar Softness. 'Tis no Compliment to them, to … may pretend to, 'tis more a Disfigurement than any real Refinement of Discourse, to render it thus delicate. No Work of Wit can be esteem'd perfect without that Style. Strength and Boldness of Hand, which gives it Body and Proportions. A …
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