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 THE THIRD BOOK OF THE COURTIER proof of very slight perfection, because even among men, they who have these qualities more than others have, are not more esteemed therefor; and even in wars, where the greater part of the work is laborious and a matter of strength, the strongest are yet not the most prized; if to the mind, I say that all the things that men can understand, the same can women Understand too; and where the intellect of the one penetrates, there also can that of the other penetrate." I3-— Having here made a little pause, the Magnifico Giulianp added, laughing : " Do you not know that in philosophy this proposition is main- tained, that those who are tender in flesh are apt in mind ? So there is no doubt that women, being tenderer in flesh, are aptei*] in mind, and of capacity better fitted for speculation than men) are." Then he continued: " But leaving this aside, since you have told me to argue con- cerning the perfection of both from their acts, I say that if you will consider the workings of nature, you will find that she makes women what they are, not by chance, but adapted to the necessary end : for although she makes them not strong in body and of placid spirit, with many other qualities opposed to those of men, yet the characters of both tend to one single end condu- cive to the same use. For just as by reason of that feebleness of theirs women are less courageous, so for the same reason they are also more cautious : thus the mother nourishes her children, the father instructs them and with his strength earns abroad that which she with anxious care preserves at home, which is not the lesser merit. " Again, if you examine the ancient histories (albeit men have ever been very chary of writing women's praises) and the mod- ern ones, you will find that worth has continually existed among women as well as among men; and that there have even been those who waged wars and won glorious victories therein, gov- erned kingdoms with the highest prudence and justice, and did everything that men have done. As for the sciences, do you not remember having read of many women who were learned in philosophy? Others who were very excellent in poetry? Others who conducted suits, and accused and defended most J83