Page:Female policy detected, or, The arts of designing women laid open.pdf/3



Of all vices, an unlawful freedom with the female sex is the most predominant, and of all sins hath the most powerful temptations; and many allurements do bctraybetray [sic] and draw men into this folly. The inducements of the fair sex are so prevailing, a propensity in nature so forcible, it is hard to stand unmoved, when tempted forward by the charms of a subtle woman, and drove by the foul desires of an unbounded lust.

But as there is no passion too strong to be conquered, or temptation too great to be resisted, so if you will observe the maxims I shall give you in this little treatise, you will be armed against beauty, make love your subject, and all the subtleties of the fair sex shall truckle, and become instruments of direction, instead of your ruin.

Be careful how you conceive too good an opinion of a woman at first sight, for you see not the woman truly, but her ornaments. Paint, patches, and fine dresses are to hide defects; for beauty, like truth, is always best when plainest.