Among the ancients, the character of the fair-sex was considered as altogether domestic; nor
were they regarded as part of the polite world or of good company. This, perhaps, is the true
reason why the ancients have not left us one piece of pleasantry that is excellent, (unless one
may except the Banquet of XENOPHON, and the Dialogues of LUCIAN*56) though many of
their serious compositions are altogether inimitable. HORACE condemns the coarse railleries
and cold jests of PLAUTUS:*57 But, though the most easy, agreeable, and judicious writer in the
world, is his own talent for ridicule very striking or refined? This, therefore, is one considerable
improvement, which the polite arts have received from gallantry, and from courts, where it first
arose.°
I.
XIV.43