Bearing yet in remembrance, as the country at large must do! the ill-fated catastrophe which attended the accouchement of the illustrious Princess Charlotte;-that royal bud which blossomed but to die! thoughts are naturally turned, in loyal interest and brighter hopes, towards "A fair vestal, throned by the west," who is at present 66 "In maiden meditation, fancy-free." In fulness of time however, when Cupid all armed" shall take his "certain aim," and loose "his love-shaft smartly from his bow," it may be hoped, (and from maternal influence and example may indeed reasonably be expected,) that in " the consummation devoutly to be wished," and running waters out of thine own well. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers with thee. Proverbs, v. 15. naturally to be looked for, man-midwifery will be discountenanced, and not allowed a scope, as in the former instance, to blast a nation's hope, nor again be permitted to 66 play such fantastic tricks Before high heaven, as make the angels weep!" By force of such high example, and by the blessing of a happy issue, the practice of midwifery by men may, after a time, be driven from society, against the well-being of which it assuredly mili tates. In private life surely, after mature consideration and with a view to avoid a possible and not very improbable cause of unhappiness or utter misery, every prudent husband and modest wife, in their moments of hallowed endearments," when love refines the thoughts," will discreetly resolve to abjure the unhallowed officiator. "Then let us not think hard One easy prohibition." So will example spread, and in individual virtue will public morality be maintained. Wives, in virtuous bashfulness which is real modesty, emulating one another in conjugal propriety, will feel ashamed to disclose themselves to any man except their husbands! Whilst husbands on their parts, if of true manly feeling, so far from ever again consenting, will feel indignant at the very idea of any man, under any pretence whatever, sharing with him the smallest of those "rites mysterious of connubial love," which every man of proper sentiments must prize as his highest earthly bliss and treasure, and should hold sacred accordingly! "Hail, wedded love, mysterious law, true source Of human offspring, sole propriety In Paradise of all things common else. R Of father, son, and brother, first were known. Far be it that I should write thee sin or blame, Or think thee unbefiting holiest place, - Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets, Whose bed is undefil'd and chaste pronounc'd, Present, or past, as saints and patriarchs us'd." MILTON. THE END. Page 16, line 78, 106, 108, CORRIGENDA. 9, read "expected" for "expectant." 22, read "ergot of rye" for "orgeate of rye." convert." C. Whittingham, Tooks Court, Chancery Lane. |