9161. WOMEN, Domestic life.—
You
think that the pleasures of Paris more than
supply its want of domestic happiness; in
other words, that a Parisian is happier than
an American. You will change your opinion,
and come over to mine in the end. Recollect
the women of this capital [Paris], some on
foot, some on horses, and some in carriages,
hunting pleasure in the streets, in routs and
assemblies, and forgetting that they have left
it behind them in their nurseries; compare
them with our own countrywomen occupied
in the tender and tranquil amusements of
domestic life, and confess that it is a comparison
of Americans and angels.—
To Mrs. William Bingham.
Ford ed., v, 9.
(P.
1788)
