Page:Montesquieu - The spirit of laws.djvu/200

148 certain fore-runner of a change in the constitution.

Hence it is that the sage legislators of republican states have always required of women a particular gravity of manners. They have proscribed not only vice, but the very appearance of it. They have banished even all commerce of gallantry, a commerce that produces idleness, that renders the women corrupters even before they are corrupted, that gives a value to trifles, and debases things of importance; a commerce, in fine, that makes people act intirely by the maxims of ridicule, in which the women are so perfectly skilled.

N monarchies women are subject to very little restraint, because as the distinction of ranks calls them to court, thither they repair in order to assume that spirit of liberty, which is the only one there tolerated. The aspiring courtier avails himself of their charms and passions, in order to advance his fortune: and as their weakness admits not of pride, but of vanity; luxury constantly attends them.

In despotic governments women do not introduce, but are themselves an object of luxury. They must be in a state of the most rigorous servitude. Every one follows the spirit of the government, and adopts in his own family the customs he sees elsewhere established. As the laws are very severe and executed on the spot, they are afraid left the liberty Rh