The Women of The American Revolution, Vol. 1. Ellet Elizabeth Fries

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СКАЧАТЬ should be proud to see it in print, even if it could not be acted. It requires almost as much interest and intrigue to get a play acted, as to be a member of Parliament."

      At another time he says of her Poems: "The Poems are not all of them new to me, by whom some of them have been read and esteemed some years ago. However foolishly some European writers may have sported with American reputation for genius, literature and science, I know not where they will find a female poet of their own to prefer to the ingenious author of these compositions."13 "A Poetical Reverie" was published before the breaking out of the war. It gives a poetical view of the future greatness of America, and the punishment of her oppressors.

      "The Squabble of the Sea Nymphs," celebrates the pouring of the tea into the sea, and is something in the Rape of the Lock style. The lines to a friend, who on the American determination to suspend all commerce with Great Britain, except for the necessaries of life, requested a poetical list of the articles the ladies might comprise under that head, have some fine satire. The reader will not object to the following specimen:

      "An inventory clear

      Of all she needs, Lamira offers here;

      Nor does she fear a rigid Cato's frown

      When she lays by the rich embroidered gown,

      And modestly compounds for just enough, —

      Perhaps some dozens of more sightly stuff:

      With lawns and lutestrings – blond and mechlin laces,

      Fringes and jewels, fans and tweezer cases;

      Gay cloaks and hats, of every shape and size,

      Scarfs, cardinals, and ribbons of all dyes;

      With ruffles stamped, and aprons of tambour,

      Tippets and handkerchiefs, at least three score:

      With finest muslins that fair India boasts,

      And the choice herbage from Chinesan coasts;

      (But while the fragrant hyson leaf regales,

      Who'll wear the home-spun produce of the vales?

      For if 'twould save the nation from the curse

      Of standing troups – or name a plague still worse,

      Few can this choice delicious draught give up,

      Though all Medea's poisons fill the cup.)

      Add feathers, furs, rich satins, and ducapes,

      And head-dresses in pyramidal shapes;14

      Side-boards of plate, and porcelain profuse,

      With fifty dittos that the ladies use;

      If my poor treacherous memory has missed,

      Ingenious T – l shall complete the list.

      So weak Lamira, and her wants so few,

      Who can refuse? they're but the sex's due.

      "In youth, indeed, an antiquated page

      Taught us the threatenings of a Hebrew sage

      'Gainst wimples, mantles, curls and crisping pins,

      But rank not these among our modern sins;

      For when our manners are well understood,

      What in the scale is stomacher or hood?

      'Tis true, we love the courtly mien and air,

      The pride of dress, and all the debonair:

      Yet Clara quits the more dressed negligeé,

      And substitutes the careless polancé;

      Until some fair one from Britannia's court

      Some jaunty dress, or newer taste import;

      This sweet temptation could not be withstood,

      Though for the purchase paid her father's blood;

      Though loss of freedom were the costly price,

      Or flaming comets sweep the angry skies;

      Or earthquakes rattle, or volcanoes roar;

      Indulge this trifle, and she asks no more;

      Can the stern patriot Clara's suit deny?

      'Tis beauty asks, and reason must comply."

      The powers of Mrs. Warren were devoted to nobler objects than chastising the follies of the day. She gave her tenderest sympathies to the sufferings of her friends, and poured the balm of consolation into many a wounded heart. The letters of Mrs. Adams show how much she leaned, amidst her heavy trials, on this faithful support. Nor was her kindness limited to the circle of her acquaintance.

      Every sufferer from this cruel war had a claim her heart acknowledged, and her benevolence went forth on its gentle mission among strangers. She addressed a letter of condolence to the widow of the brave Montgomery, Jan. 20th, 1776, in which the consolatory suggestions are those of a patriot and a Christian.

      "While you are deriving comfort," she says, "from the highest source, it may still further brighten the clouded moment to reflect that the number of your friends is not confined to the narrow limits of a province, but by the happy union of the American Colonies, (suffering equally by the rigor of oppression,) the affections of the inhabitants are cemented; and the urn of the companion of your heart will be sprinkled with the tears of thousands who revere the commander at the gates of Quebec, though not personally acquainted with General Montgomery."

      Montgomery, as is known, married Janet Livingston, a sister of Chancellor Robert R. Livingston. Her life was a secluded one, and affords few materials for biography; but her letters expressive of her feelings have a deep interest. Mrs. Warren says with truth – writing to her Nov. 25th, 1777:

      "The sensibility of soul, the pathos of grief so strongly marked in your letters, have convinced me that the brave Montgomery had a partner worthy of his character."

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      1

      New Jersey Gazette, October 11th, 1780.

      2

      The ancient Acadia, comprising Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, was settled by many of the refugee loyalists from the United States.

      3

      Mrs. Sigourney, in her poetical tribute on the occasion of laying the corner-stone for the monument,

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