Litchfield enquirer., 1837-03-23
FOR THE 1rTcHFrEr.D ENQUIRER.

with essays from her pen-Ed. Enq.
 FOR THE IITcHFIELD ENQUIRER. WOMAN.
 Much has been said of the loveliness of woman of the charm which she spreads around society, and of her influence in softenng and refining the feelings and l manners of men, For this orators have euogsed her. and poets sung in musc-lke strains'' of her excel fence and worth. They have pictured hermore love- y than angel as she administers to the wants of an aged father, husband or brother or she bends the bed of sickness and death, cooling the fevered brow, soothing the troubled spirit and teaching it to wing its flight to regions of eternal blessedness.
 Much has been said of her lovely aspect, as she guides the totterng footsteps of childhood, joins in its little sports andis saddened by the little which daken its brow: of the influence she exerts over the dawning intellect, expanding powers, and insting into the young mind principles which are in great measure to direct and govern the future life. And by many this has been thought the utmost extent of her infuencc-the highest exertion of her mind-that she is incapable of taking in great and lofty ideas or of forming extensive and magnificent plans; and that though amiabe in her intercourse with the word van ty and love of praise her ruling passions and that to pour soft nonsense into her ear, is the way of gaining her favor. But this opinion must be founded in ignorance prejudice, for instances not want ing, in which ,Doman has acted important part up- the public theatre of events, and left her name em- bazoned upon the historic page. She has often shown herself heroic and sefdenyng in the cause of liberty and humanity, and even swaying with the greatest wisdom and ability the sceptre of empire and domin- ion. Who can read with an unbiased judgment the history of Maria Theresa of Austria, Elizabeth of England, or Catharine of Russia, and say that woman is incapable of governing nations, forming and execu- ting plans for their happiness and glory? True, their fame IS sued by some acts of cruelty and injustice but fths be proof of weakness then Napoleon, and Alexander, and Julius Cesar. were men of small ca- pacty. Or who hear of the female brought up in ease and indulgence, leaving home, and kindred, and country, to suffer in hcathen land hardshps which might well discourage the boder spirits of men, and say that love of admiration and attery are the prn ciples which actuate the female breast? But woman has not only shewn herself great in the cabinet self. denying in the cause of benevoence, but mighty also in the field. Perhaps better example could not be given of ths than that of Joan of Arc, Gan obscure country girD who. reused by noble enthusiasm, de. vered France from the hands of its cruel oppressors. But the prejudice which too often accompanies the fe-
 
 prescribed her. filled the minds of her enemies who put her to cruel and ignominious death; and even he upon whose head she had placed crown never put forth effort for her deiverance. But her name still lives. Her heroism graces the pages of History, and succeeding generations will admire and applaud
 Woman has stood too at the head ofparty intrigue and acted with singular art and ability in that diff cult situation. Indeed there is scarcely any situation in lfe public private which has not been adorned by Tho republic of letters has also felt her influence. Scarcely any subject, of any importance, has escaped her pen. The writings of Mrs. Roland Barbauld, Hemans, Miss Moore, and many others, must be perused with profit and interest by every tentive reader.
 Itmay be asked why so few comparatively have ri- sen to any considerable degree of eminence
 I answer, her education and circumstances are op- posed to 1t. These much calculated to foster vanity and pride and incline her to frivolous and tr. fling pursuits. As soon girl can understand, she cannot but that the improvement of her person, and accomplishment of her manners, gre the grand objects of attention with her friends. She hears her charms extoled, set off by becoming dress, and the love of praise at this early period before the mind has acquired sufficient strength to resist its power fas tens upon the heart. These feelings are too often strengthened she approaches to womanhood. by the attery poured into her ear by the other She has been taught that she sfomed please; and to height the beauties of her peEsOn she finds the surcst way of gaining admiration.
 Under such crcumstances is it strange that she should aspire no hiehegf ls it strange that 60 (sp bright examples of intellectual excellence have ap- peared7 Rather Is it ses strange that so saay have surmounted the obstacles which early education. ha bit and fashion have thrown around them. and shone forth ss rich blessings to the world. and bright oEna. menis 0 their ssx7
 Perhaps some gre ready to inquire. what would you have woman be- Would you have her aspire to crowns, and lassss os victory. and eory' Would you have hsr nval tho osheFss ssx7 By no mosns-bus
 wosld havs her feel that she Is moEol and isiagsm bsingi sapshs Of AdOvnlng any situation in which Providence may place her would have her rise & bovs vain and 'ns puFsaIas and FsalIss has she Is not io be the payAins. bus hs ssmfeVtsv. Asrw snd ssass' rmsR. woad have her feel lhas ahe Is nol to aIs down seas apse.al0V Of fpaasng events, bu, that she Is 10 heaF An impovians par IR the ssve d ties ofe. sRd inst lheas dnloa, whether sic he pls esd In high OF Iow station, will oiseH cell GOvh ,hs tEsEelss of wisdom and discretion wonld nss have accomplishments nsnlsetsd. bul ihsy Glseua Genn sn. lg ssssA4sgv piece lH has eAusallea, whs ,ha Ina, ngaVamaans Af tka MRA AhA hKnna sslaa Av f,ss.