Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-12-07
the other women soon ended in an AMIGA

years alter the inception OF the republic
Of Rome, the Romans we're unacquainted
with the elegancies, or in fact with what
some would denominate the pleasures oi
life. The men were grave and austere.
and the women were in manners as sol
emn aud severe as the men. and without
the smallest mixture Of corruption or
weakness. Employed in tillage or in
war, the men were either in the luTrows
of the fields OF agriculture. or on the
field oi battle. Ia the eaily existence Of
Rome and up 10 the Carthagenian con
quest their homes were happy, and with
q simple and rustic virIue gave every at
lention TO actual needs and nothing TO
elegance. Although nearly allied to bar.
Garism, the womon knew what it was to
be chaste wives aud mothers without un.
derstanding they could he otherwise. aud
tender and aifectionate before they had
LEANED the meaning of the words. Happy
in filling tas nigh Office oil wife and
mother, they were contenL to rem ain
ignorant OF other pleasures Their lives
were spent in retirement, in practicing
domestic economy, in nursing their chil
drcn and rearing 10 the republic race oi
stalwart men, bold in courage and ener
getic in every action iu civic or warlike
life. Tne consequences were the Roman
women for many ages had the respect Of
all the nations who knew Of them. On
returning from battle. their victorious
husbands met them with almost frantic
JOY, and laid at their leet the spoils Of
war aud was endeared in their eyes by
the wounds they had received for them
and for the State. These warriors who
come from imposing commands upon
kings, in their own houses felt it an honor
to obey. Rigid laws had made them the
arblegs of lilo and death, but these Judges
were in turn ruled through the affection
aud beauty Of their wives aud mothers.
In yI!a the government permitted
divorce and the indulgence OF the polly
was prescribed by the harmony ol the
marriage relation, and for five hundred
years remained u dead letter. Such was
the influence of beauty aad chastity of
Rome before tho licentiou5 Intercourse OF
the sexes had corrupted both.
To manners generally austere. the
Roman women added an enthusiastic love
OF country, which was indicated on many
occasions. la the time OF Coriolanus
they saved the city. ThAt incensed war
ror who insulted the Senate and the
priests, could not resist the tears and en-
treaties OF the women. They melted his
obdurate heart. The senate declared
them public thanks. ordered the men TO
give place 10 them on all occasions caused
an altar TO be erected tor them and the
sex were permitted to add in commemo.
ration, another ornament to their head
dress.
The Roman women saved the city when
besieged by Brennus. They gave up all
their gold as its ransom. For that in
stance of their generosity, the senate
decreed to them the honor of having
funeral orations pronounced in the ros-
trum, in common wi h patriots and
heroes. After the battle OF Canine. when
Romo had no other treasures but the vir-
tues of their citizens, the women sacrificed
both their gold and their jewels, and
new decree rewarded their zeal.
Valerius Maximas, who lived in the
days or rather reign OF Tiberius, informs
US that in the second triumviste, the three
assassns that governed Rome thirsting
alter gold, no less than power, and having
already practiced every species ofrobbery
snd worn' out every method Of plunder,
resolved to tax the women. The women
sought an orator to defend their cause,
but found none. Nobody had the courage
to reason against those who had the
power OF life and death. The daughter
OF the celebrated Hortensius alone ap.
peared. She revived the memory of her
fathers abilities, and supported with
intrepidity her own cause and that OF her
sex. The ruffians blushed and revoked
their orders. Hortensia was conducted
home in triumph, and had the honor OF
having given in one day, an example OF
courage to men. a pattern OF eloquence
to women, and lesson to tyrIuts.
But the era of the talents of women at
Rome is to be found under the Emperors.
Society was then more developed by
opulence, by luxury,bY the use and abuse
OF the arts, and by commerce. During
upward of six hundred years, the virtues
had been found sufficient to please. they
then found it necessary to call iu the
accomplishments. They were desirous to
join admiration to esteem, till esteem
finally became nullity.
Several causes concurred to produce
this revolution of manners among the
Romans. The vast inequality Of ranks,
the enormous fortunes OF individuals. the
ridicule affixed By refined society to mora
ideas, all contributed to hasten the period
of corruption.
Maine Hygienic Institute,
Oct, 29, 1875.