But this observation has
been found unjust, since posterity seems to have ratified the
verdict of that tribunal: and Racine, though dead, is still
the favourite of the fair sex, as well as of the best judges
among the men.
There is only one subject, on which I am apt to distrust the
judgment of females, and that is, concerning books of
gallantry and devotion, which they commonly affect as high
flown as possible; and most of them seem more delighted with
the warmth, than with the justness of the passion. I mention
gallantry and devotion as the same subject, because, in
reality, they become the same when treated in this manner; and
we may observe, that they both depend upon the very same
complexion. As the fair sex have a great share of the tender
and amorous disposition, it perverts their judgment on this
occasion, and makes them be easily affected, even by what has
no propriety in the expression nor nature in the sentiment.
Mr. Addison's elegant discourses of religion have no relish
with them, in comparison of books of mystic devotion: and
Otway's tragedies are rejected for the rants of Mr.
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