The essays of Elia . me of Mrs. Siddons in Isabella. Compari-son and retrospection soon yielded to the present attrac-tion of the scene ; and the theatre became to me, upona new stock, the most delightful of recreations. MODERN GALLANTRY In comparing modern with ancient manners, we arepleased to compliment ourselves upon the point ofgallantry; a certain obsequiousness, or deferentialrespect, which we are supposed to pay to females, asfemales. I shall believe that this principle actuates our conduct,when I can forget, that in the nineteenth century of theera from which we date our civUity, we a
The essays of Elia . me of Mrs. Siddons in Isabella. Compari-son and retrospection soon yielded to the present attrac-tion of the scene ; and the theatre became to me, upona new stock, the most delightful of recreations. MODERN GALLANTRY In comparing modern with ancient manners, we arepleased to compliment ourselves upon the point ofgallantry; a certain obsequiousness, or deferentialrespect, which we are supposed to pay to females, asfemales. I shall believe that this principle actuates our conduct,when I can forget, that in the nineteenth century of theera from which we date our civUity, we are but just begin-ging to leave off the very frequent practice of whippingfemales in public, in common with the coarsest maleoffenders. I shall believe it to be influential, when I can shutmy eyes to the fact that in England women are stilloccasionally—Changed. I shall believe in it, when actresses are no longersubject to be hissed off a stage by gentlemen. I shall believe in it, when Dorimant hands a fishwife 136. JNOUiRINn OF ?-???? -?--?^ MODERN GALLANTRY across the kennel; or assists the apple-woman to pickup her wandering fruit, which some unlucky dray hasjust dissipated. I shall believe in it, when the Dorimants in humblerlife, who would be thought in their way notable adeptsin this refinement, shall act upon it in places wherethey are not known, or think themselves not observed—when I shall see the traveller for some rich trades-man part with his admired box-coat, to spread itover the defenceless shoulders of the poor woman,who is passing to her parish on the roof of the samestage-coach with him, drenched in the rain—when Ishall no longer see a woman standing up in the pit ofa London theatre, till she is sick and faint with theexertion, with men about her, seated at their ease,and jeering at her distress; till one, that seems tohave more manners or conscience than the rest, sig-nificantly declares she should be welcome to his seat,if she were a little younger and h
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