Page:Margaret Fuller by Howe, Julia Ward, Ed. (1883).djvu/129

114 brought this sun-gleam of a smile into that dark tragedy of offence and punishment!

Some passages of this address must be given here, to show the attitude in which this truly noble woman confronted the most degraded of her sex. After alluding to the common opinion that women once lost are far worse than abandoned men, and cannot be restored,” she said:—

“It is not so. I know my sex better. It is because women have so much feeling, and such a rooted respect for purity, that they seem so shameless and insolent when they feel that they have erred, and that others think ill of them. When they meet man's look of scorn, the desperate passion that rises is a perverted pride, which might have been their guardian angel. Rather let me say, which may be; for the rapid inprovement wrought here gives us warm hopes."

Margaret exhorts the prisoners not to be impatient for their release. She dwells in their weakness, the temptations of the outer world, and the helpful character of the influences which are wow brought to bear upon them.

Oh, be sure that you are fitted to triumph over evil before you again expose yourselves to it! Instead of wasting your time and strength in vain wishes, use this opportunity to prepare yourselves for a better course of life when you are set free."

The following sentences are also noteworthy:

“Let me warn you earnestly against acting insincerely. I know you must prize the good opinion of your friendly protectors, but do not buy it at the cost of truth. Try to be, not to seem....Never despond,—never say, 'It is too late!' Fear not, even if you