Lola Montez
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 30
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858 edition. Excerpt: ... therefore, is not merely an accomplishment and a pastime but it is a duty which he may not neglect without incurring the gravest censure of mankind. In entering upon the study of this great and important art, to start correctly, he must take it for granted that women are not only very poor judges of men, but that they absolutely prefer fops, fools, and triflers, to men of sense and character. If, however, the student has doubts on this subject he had better refer to certain learned authorities which will not fail to establish his mind in the right premises. Mackenzie says "women have a predilection for frivolous men." One of the most learned of the British Essayists says, "when we see a fellow loud and talkative, full of insipid life and laughter, we may venture to pronounce him a female favorite." Mr. Burke tells you that "the character which generally passes for agreeable with the women is made up of civility and falsehood." And if poets were of any authority in this high art, I might refer to Dryden, who sings-- "Our thoughtless sex is caught by outward form And empty noise--and loves itself in man." If these learned authorities fail to satisfy the mind of my pupils I shall beg to refer them to the works of Sir Walter Raleigh and Lord Chesterfield, who are very copious on this subject. But as they progress in the experimental part of the art, they will learn to rely less on authorities, and trust more to their own experience and skill. Indeed I have seldom met with a man who did not consider himself, in his way, such a proficient in this sublime art that it may be wasting time to dwell at all upon the subject of authorities. RULE THE FIRST. Set it down, then, that the womea prefer trifiers to men of sense, and when you wish to make...