Nature has implanted in all living creatures an affection between the sexes, which, even in the
fiercest and most rapacious animals, is not merely confined to the satisfaction of the bodily
appetite, but begets a friendship and mutual sympathy, which runs through the whole tenor of
their lives. Nay, even in those species, where nature limits the indulgence of this appetite to one
season and to one object, and forms a kind of marriage or association between a single male and
female, there is yet a visible complacency and benevolence, which extends farther, and mutually
softens the affections of the sexes towards each other.l
How much more must this have place in
man, where the confinement of the appetite is not natural; but either is derived accidentally from
some strong charm of love, or arises from reflections on duty and convenience? Nothing,
therefore, can proceed less from affectation than the passion of gallantry. It is natural in the
highest degree. Art and education, in the most elegant courts, make no more alteration on it, than
on all the other laudable passions. They only turn the mind more towards it; they refine it; they
polish it; and give it a proper grace and expression.
I.
XIV.39
Nature has implanted in all living creatures an affection between the sexes, which, even in thefiercest and most rapacious animals, is not merely confined to the satisfaction of the bodilyappetite, but begets a friendship and mutual sympathy, which runs through the whole tenor oftheir lives. Nay, even in those species, where nature limits the indulgence of this appetite to oneseason and to one object, and forms a kind of marriage or association between a single male andfemale, there is yet a visible complacency and benevolence, which extends farther, and mutuallysoftens the affections of the sexes towards each other.l How much more must this have place inman, where the confinement of the appetite is not natural; but either is derived accidentally fromsome strong charm of love, or arises from reflections on duty and convenience? Nothing,therefore, can proceed less from affectation than the passion of gallantry. It is natural in thehighest degree. Art and education, in the most elegant courts, make no more alteration on it, thanon all the other laudable passions. They only turn the mind more towards it; they refine it; theypolish it; and give it a proper grace and expression.I.XIV.39
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