Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1813 edition. Excerpt: ... and pleasure is the education of their children. I could name a number;--the Duke Verdura, the Prince Partana, the Count Buscemi, and many others, who live in the most sacred union. Such sights are very rare on the continent. But indeed the style that young people zre brought up in here, seems to lay a much more solid foundation for matrimonial happiness, than either in France or Italy. The young ladies are not shut up in convents till the day of their marriage, but for the most part live in the house with their parents, where they receive their education, and are every day in company with their friends and relations. From what I can observe, I think they are allowed almost as much liberty as with us. In their great assemblies we often see a club of young people (of both sexes) get together in a corner, and amuse themselves for hours, at cross purposes or such likegames, without the mothers being under the least anxiety; indeed, we sometimes join in these little parties, and find them extremely entertaining. In general, they are quick and lively, and have a number of those jtux d'esfirit, which, I think, must ever be a proof, in all countries, of the familiar intercourse betwixt the ycung people of the two sexes; for all these games are insipid, if thev are not seasoned bv something of that invisible and subtile agency, which renders every thing more interesting in these mixed societies, than in the lifeless ones, composed of only one part of the species. Thus, in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, I have never seen any of these games; in France seldom, but in Switzerland (where the greatest liberty and familiarity are enjoyed amongst the young people) they are numberless. But the conver sation hour is arrived, and our carriage is...
