Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1840-01-15
H0NouR TO WoMAN.


Nay, hear me out, dear nephew. am not
blaming you, but would have you remember
that though dear Lady Mallory may be year
or two older than yourself, and though you have
been accustomed for years TO treat her almost
as an elder sister, yet she is still most beanli-
full, young, and deeply interesting /; and what
is still more to the purpose, Ralph, she is ev-
identity of an affectionate, warm, and sensible
heart. Now, Ralph, in the good world in
which we live, am sorry to say that men who
consider themselves persons Of high honor,
seem to place their dealings with women be
yond that code of laws by Which they regulate
their dealings with other men. The man who
would think himself disgraced and woud be
so In his own eyes forever, if he were TO tell a
lie, to break promise or a yow--to cheat or
deceive in the most triliing particuiar-to mis-
lead, by any false showing whatsoever, anoth-
er man-scruples not but too often, to mislead,
deceive, to break his promise, to violate his
oath to a woman, to cheat her out OF that which
is her nobiest poSsesslon-peace of mind and
tranquility of heart-to triAe with her a6ec-
tions, to insult, 10 dishonor to betray Even
after he has done so, he is received in society,
couried, hattered, liked, and the acts which
should stamp him with eternal infamy, are re-
garded almost IN the same class with some
gallant feats performed in the chase-some act
of skiful policy or manly daring. There are
some, however, who differ from the creed, and
who abhor such conduct | own myself one,
Ralph look upon it that the man who be-
haves i'll to woman, and yet would not do so
to man, only shows himself to be at heart a
coward for the only cause which enables,
permits, or iustifies any such act is, that wo-
man cannot protect or avenge herself She is
trusted Ralph, by God, aud by her weakness
to mans honor and if we prize our honor
if we hold it really dear as true and veritable
principle for the guidance of our conduct and
not merely as fantastic and relative notion to
be formed upon the opinion of others, we
should be far more scrupuous, delicate, thought
ful, in all our acts and feelings towards woman
than towards man. We know that every gen.
tleman has his sword by his side to redress
himself if we do him wrong but we know
that woman has no redress but silence, sor-
row and endurance Do not look grieved,
Ralph, for heaven forbid that should insinu-
ate such charge against you, that you could
behave i'll, or would ever break
VOW, or willingly fail in any promise to a wo-
nan | know you, too well, Ralph your mo-
her was my sister, it is impossible But con-
slider sufficiently that the structure of wo-
mans heart and feelings is as fine, as delicate,
Is easily affected and injured as her corporeal
rame. We may unintentianally raise thoughts |
md expectations which may be disappointed,
or the qualification of few hours in pleasant
'UcieIy we may teach a woman 10 believe |
hat seek to make that society our own
brewer. From that belief may grow up feel
ngs deeper, stronger, more enduring; and
hen, when disappointment comes, sorrow
axes possession of the heart where Joy once
lwelt; shame at having aided to deceive it
elf, gives an additional pang to the agony of
'eing deceived, an age of regret, and mortif-
ation, and cold chagrin, very often succeeds |
rom such causes alone, to youth of joy and
houghtless happiness.