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the refined pasfions above described were not exposed to the same accidents which so frequently befall those of modern lovers; they could neither fall into a decay from a more perfect knowledge of the lady's character, nor were they liable to sudden death from enjoyment. But whilst the women were adored in song, they were miserable in reality; confinement and distrust made them detest their husbands, and they endeavoured to form connections with men more to their taste than either jealous husbands or metaphysical lovers. To treat a woman of character as if she were an unprincipled wanton, is the most likely way to make her one. In those days of jealousy, a continual trial of skill seems to have subsisted between husband and wife, as if every lord, soon after marriage, had told his lady, "Now, Madam, I know "perfectly well what you would be at; "but it is my business to prevent you: f I'll guard you so well, and watch you "so closely, that it shall never be in your "lord," replied the lady, with all meekness, "pray guard and watch as your "wisdom shall direct; I, also, shall be vi"gilant on my part, and we shall see how "the business will end." The business generally did end as might have been expected; and the only consolation left the husband, was to endeavour to assassinate the happy lover.

But when French manners began to spread over Europe, and to insinuate themselves among nations the most opposite in character to the French, jealousy was first held up as the most detestable of all the passions. The law had long declared against its dismal effects, and awful denunciations had been pronounced from the pulpit against those who were inflamed by its bloody spirit; but without effect, till ridicule joined in the argument, and exposed those husbands to the contempt and derision of every fashionable society, who harboured the gloomy dæmon in their bosoms.

LETTER LXXVI.

Florence.

TJEFORE the Italian husbands could adopt or reconcile their minds to a custom so opposite to their former practice, they took some measures to secure a point which they had always thought of the highest importance. Finding that confinement was a plan generally reprobated, and that any appearance of jealousy subjected the husband to ridicule, they agreed that their wives should go into company and attend public places, but always attended by a friend whom they could trust, and who, at the same time, should not be disagreeable to the wife. This compromise could not fail of being acceptable to the women, who plainly perceived that they must be gainers by any alteration of the former system; leaning upon- the arm of a man; who, from their frequently whispering together, was called her Cicifbeo. It was stipulated, at the fame time, that the lady, while abroad under his care, should converse with no other man but in his presence, and with his approbation; he was to be her guardian, her friend, and gentleman-uflier.

The custom at present is, that this obsequious gentleman visits the lady every forenoon at the toiler, where the plan for passing the evening is agreed upon; he disappears before dinner, for it is usual all over Italy for the husband and wife to dine together tete a-tete, except on great occasions, as when there is a public feast. After dinner the husband retires, and the Cicifbeo returns and conducts the lady to the public walk, the conversazione, or the opera; he hands her about wherever she goes, presents her coffee, sorts her cards, and attends with

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