AS Conversation is the bond of all humane Society , the greatest pleasure of well-bred People ; and the most ordinary means of introducing into the World , not only Politeness , but also the purest Morals , and the love of Glory and Vertue : M●…thinks , the Company cannot entertain themselves more profitably , nor more agreeably , said Cilenia , than in examining what it is People call Conversation . For when Men only speak strictly according to the exigency of their Affairs , it cannot be so termed . The truth is , said Amilcar , a Lawyer pleading a Cause at the Barr ; a Merchant negotiating with another ; a General of an Army giving Orders ; a King speaking of Affairs of State in HisCouncil : all this is not what ought to be stiled Conversation . All those People may discourse well of their Interests , and Affairs : and yet not have that agreeable talent of Conversation , which is the sweetest charm of Life , and perhaps more rare than is believed . For my part I do not doubt of it at all , replied Cilenia , but methinks , before it can be well defined , wherein principally consists the Charm and Beauty of Conversation , 't is requisite that all the persons who compose this company , should remember the tedious Conversations which have most troubled them . You are in the right , said Cerinta , for by remarking all that is tiresome , we may the better know what is diverting : and to shew you an example of it , added she , I gave Yesterday a Family-Visit , which made me do such Pennance , that it almost wearyed me to death . Do but imagine me in the midst of ten or twelve Women , who spoke of nothing else than of all their little Domestic cares , of the faults of their servants , of the good Qualities or Vices of their Children ; and there was one Woman amongst the rest who spent above an hour in relating from syllable to syllable the first tatlings of a Son of hers , but of three years old : You may now judge if I did not spend my time after a lamentable manner . I assure you , replied Nicanor , that I spent mine little better than your self , since I happened to be engaged against my will among a company of Women you may easily guess at , who spent the whole day only in speaking well or ill of their Cloths , and in lying continually as to the price , they cost them . For some out of vanity , said much more than was right , as I was informed by the least silly of them all ; and others , to be thought cunning and skilful , said much less . Insomuch that I spent the whole day in hearing such dull and pitiful impertinencies , that it makes me still something out of humour . As for my part , said the lovely Athys , I happened fifteen days ago to be with some Ladies , who though they have Wit enough , did strangely importune me . For in short , to speak the truth , it was with those Women who are professedly gallant , have but one intrigue , and an intrigue that so possesses them , that they think of nothing else . So that when you are not a Confident of their Amours , and happen into their Company , you are uneasie your self , and render them so likewise . And indeed , so long as I was with those I speak of , I heard them always talking without understanding what they said . For there was one on my right hand , telling another who sate by her , that she knew from very good hands , that such a Spark was broke off with such a Lady , and was re-ingaged with such an other . And another on my left , who , speaking passionately to a Lady , a friend of hers , entertain'd her with the silliest insipid things you ever heard . After all , said she , in a fret , the Lady , you know , ought not to boast that she has depriv'd me of a Gallant , since her Conquest consists only in a person I had discarded . But if the fancy takes me to recall him , I will do it so effectually she shall never have him again while she lives . On another side , I heard some giving an account of a Collation they were treated at ; affecting to say with as much earnestness , that it was mean and sordid : as if they thought to have diminished the Beauty of the Lady on whom it was bestowed , by saying that her Lover was not magnificent enough . In short , I must confess , that in my life I never had so much impatience as I had that day . For my part , replied Cilenia , if I had been in your place , I would have found the invention of diverting my self at the expense of those who would have made me done Pennance ; but I could not hinder being uneasie three days ago , with a Man and a Woman , whose Conversations are always upon two sorts of things ; that is to say , of the entire Genealogies of the Families of Mytelene ; and all the circumstances of their Estates . For in a word , without it be on certain particular occasions , what divertisement is it to hear for a whole day together , Xenocrates was the Son of Tryphon , Clidemus was the O●…pring of Zenophanes ; Zenophanes was the Issue of Tyrtaeus , and so of the rest ? and what divertisement is there likewise to hear that such a House wherein you have no interest , wherein you never was , and whether you 'll never go as long as you live , was built by this Man , bought by that , exchanged by another , and that it is at present in the possession of a Man you never knew ? This is not very agreeable , without doubt , replied Alcaeus , but neither is it so mortifying , as to meet with those People who are engaged in some troublesome business , and can speak of nothing else . And in truth , I found a while ago a Sea-Captain , who pretends Pittacus ought to recompence him for a Ship . He held me three hours , not only in relating the reasons he pretended to have for the being re-imbursed ; but likewise what might be answered him , and what he could reply . And to make me the better apprehend his losses , he f●…ll to telling me the particulars of what his Ship cost him . For that purpose , he told me the names of those who built it , and specify'd to me all the parts of his Ship , one after the other , without any necessity , for the making me understand it was one of the best and dearest , and he had a great deal of injustice done him . I must allow , said Amithene , it is a great persecution to meet with those sort of People , but to tell you the truth , those grave and serious Conversations wherein no mirth is allowed of , have something so pestering and heavy , that I never happen into them without being taken with the Head ach ; for the discourse is always upon the same note ; they never laugh , and all is as precise and formal , as if you were at Church . I agree with you in what you say , said Athis , but I must say , to the shame of our Sex , that the Men have a great advantage over us , as to Conversation ; and to prove it , I need only tell the Company , that going to Lycidices House , I found her in her Mothers Chamber , where was so great a number of Women , there was hardly room for me , but there was not one Man . I cannot tell you after what manner all those Ladies had their Wits turned that day , though some of them were very ingenious . But I am constrained to avow , that the Conversation was not very diverting : for in short , the discourse was only of nauseous trifles ; and I may say , that in my life I never heard so many words , and so little sense . But happening to be near Lyeidice , I could easily perceive how highly the resented it . I must confess , I observed it with delight , since it made her say a hundred pleasant things . As she was very much wearied with this 〈◊〉 Conversation , which so much grated upon her humour , there came in a Gentleman a Kinsman of hers . And this is remarkable , that though this Man is none of those elevated Wits that are so rare to be found , and that he was but of the order of common well-bred People , the Conversation changed on a sudden , and became more regular , more ingenious , and more agreeable , though there was no other change in the company , than the coming in of a Man , who contributed but very little to the discourse . But in short , without being able to tell you the true reason , they fell to talk of other things ; they talked much better ; and those very persons who tyred me as well as Lycidice , diverted me extreamly , However the Company being gone , I stayed alone with Lycidice . She no sooner saw her self at liberty , than making her Mclancholly give way to Joy ; Well Athis , said she to me , will you still condemn me for preferring the Conversation of Men before that of Women ? and are you not constrained to allow , that who should write what fifteen or twenty Women say together , would make the worst Book that ever was . I confess , said I to her , laughing , that if all was written in order that I have heard spoke to day , it would be a fantastical discourse . For my part , said she , there are some days that I am so incensed against my Sex that I am grieved to the very heart I am a Woman , principally when I happen into one of those Conversations composed all of Dresses Moveables , Jewels , and such like things . Not that , said she , I am against their being made a subject of discourse ; for in short , I am sometimes well enough dress'd to be glad to have it told I am so : and my Cloths are sometimes fine enough , and well enough made , to take delight in hearing 'em commended ; but I would not have the Discourse dwell upon these kind of things , but that they be spoken of galantly , and as by the by , without transports and application ; and not as some Women do of my acquaintance , who spend all their life in such like talk , and think of nothing else , and whose thoughts of those things are likewise so full of irresolutions , that I am of opinion , that at the end of their days they will not have determined in their minds , whether Carnation becomes them better thanBlew , or if Yellow is more advantagious to them than Green . I must confess that Lycidices discourse made me laugh ; and I found it so much the more pleasant , in that 't is true , that there is a Lady of my acquaintance , who employs all her Wit only in such things ; never talks of any thing else , and makes her greatest glory consist in what surrounds her only ; that is to say , in the guilding of her Palace , in the Magnificence of her Furniture , in the beauty of her Cloths , and in the richness of her Jewels . After having laughed at what Lycidice said , I would have defended Women in general ; and told her , I was perswaded there are as many Men as Ladies , whose Conversation is disagreeable . There are many of 'em without doubt , replied she , whose company is insupportable ; but with this advantage , that we can easier get rid of 'em , and we are not obliged to treat them with so exact a Civility . But Athis , this is not the thing in dispute , for what I tell you is , that the most amiable Women in the World , when they are a great number together , do hardly say any thing that is to be valued , and are more tired than if they were alone . But as for such Men as are civil and well bred , 't is not the same with them , their Conversation is not , without doubt , attended with so much mirth when there are no Ladies , as when there are . But commonly , though it be more serious , yet it is more rational ; and in short , they can easier be without us , than we without them . In the mean while this vexes me more than I can tell you . For my part , replied I , methinks I could live without thinking the time tedious , though I should never see any but my Female friends , provided they were all of the same stamp with Lycidice . I 'll tell you , if you please , replied she , in answer to your civility , I should think the time as little tedious as your self , if all mine were like my dear Athis ; but it is requisite at least to add , provided I might see them but one , two , or three at the most together ; for to see twelve of 'em at a time , I should rather choose to see no body . Yes , pursued she , with the most pleasing disdain imaginable , though there were twelve Athises in the World , I would not see them daily all together , unless they were accompanied with two or three Men. For though you never say any thing but what is to the purpose , I am certain if there were twelve of you , you would lash out into extravagancies ; or at least , like the rest , you would talk of such kind of things which signifie nothing , and make the Conversation so tedious , and languishing . In sine , said the , what would you have me say more than that , unless you are a great Hypocrite , you will be constrained to allow , there is I know not what , which I am not capable of expressing , that makes a well-bred Man rejoice and divert a company of Ladies more than the loveliest Woman upon Earth can do ? Nay , I 'll say more , added she , for I maintain that when there are but two Women together , if they are not in friendship with one another , they will divert themselves less , than if each of 'em talk'd with a Man of Sense , though they had never seen him before . Judge you now if I have not reason to murmur against my Sex in general . Those Conversations are without doubt very vexatious , repli●…d Amileur , but there are of another stamp which do likewise strangely importune me . For I happened to be one day at Syracuse , with five or six Women , and two or three Men , who have got a fancy that for the rendring the Conversation agreeable , 't is requisite to laugh eternally . Infomuch that as long as those persons are together , they do nothing but laugh at all they say to one another , though it be not so over 〈◊〉 . And they make so great a noise , that they are no longer able to understand what is spoken in the company : and then they only laugh because the rest laugh , without knowing any other reason . However , they do it as heartily , as if they knew the occasion , and there had been some great jest . But this is strange , that their laughing is really sometimes so contag●…s , one cannot binder the being taken with their Malady : and happening to be one day with those perpetual laughers , I was so excessively inspired with their laughter , that I laughed almost till I cry'd , without knowing why I did so . But to speak the truth , I was so much ashamed of it within a Quarter of an Hour after , that it turn'd in a moment all my joy into vexation . Though there is a great deal of folly in laughing without reason , said Valeria , yet I should not be so uncasie in the company of such sort of People , as to be with those persons , all whose Conversation consists in long sad , and lamentable stories , extreamly tedious . For in a word , I am acquainted with a Woman who knows all the tragical adventures , whose daily discourse is a Book of Martyrs , and who spends all her time in deploring the misfortunes of life , and in relating lamentable things with a sad and doleful voice , as if she was paid for the bewailing all the Calamities of the World . Let us not pass over so quickly , said Plotina , the fault of too long relations , since in my Opinion , care ought to be taken not to accustome ones self to a perpetual telling of Stories , as I know some who never speak but of what is past ; and are always telling what they have seen , without saying any thing of what they see . The truth is , said Amilcar , that sometimes those eternal story-tellers , are very much to be dreaded : some of them are confused , others too long , some are so pettish that they will never be interrupted ; others , on the contrary , interrupt ●…mselves , and at the end , neither know what they have said , nor what they would say . But those who tell things that are indifferent to the Company , and which of themselves are not very agreeable , are the most troublesome of all the tale-telling tribe . I know likewise a Family , replied Cerinta , where the Conversation is very importunate ; for you never meet with any there , but the little Occurrences of the Neighborhood , which the Courtiers that come thither by chance , have nothing to do with , and which they neither understand , nor are affected withal ; and I remember very well , I heard them there talk of a hundred little intrigues , which did not touch me at all , and the noise whereof extended no farther than the Street where they happened ; and which besides were so little diverting , that I thought 'em very tedious . It is also a great Mortification , said Nicanor , to fall into a great Company where every one has a secret , principally when you have none , and you have nothing more to do than to listen to the murmur which those make who discourse and whisper in one anothers ear ; and yet , if they were real secrets , added she , I should have patience ; but it very often happens , that those things which are said with so much mystery , are things of no account . I know likewise other People , added Alcaeus , who , in my mind , have something very trouble some , though they have likewise something very agreeable . For in short , they have got such a fancy in their head to great transactions , that they never speak without it be of giving Battels , or of some Siege of a considerable Town , or of some other great Revolution in the World ; and you would say to hear them , that the Gods only change the face of the Universe to furnish matter to their Conversation ; for unless it be of such great and important Occurrences , they never speak , and cannot bear with any thing of another kind . Insomuch as without knowing at least , to sift Policy to the bottom , and without being well vers'd in History , a person is not to argue with them upon any subject whatsoever . The truth is , replied Nic●… , that what you say is not always agreeable . But those other People who without caring for the general affairs of the World , will only listen to particular News , have likewise something very troublesome ; for you see them always as busie as if they had a thousand Cares , though they have none of any other nature , than that of knowing all those of othe●… , to go repeat them from House to House , as Publick Spies , who are no more this than that Man's , according as an occasion is offer'd , without having any prospect of advantage from all this bustle . Thus they do not so aim at knowing things for the knowing them , as for the rehearsing them to others . 'T is also a great imperfection for one , said Cerinta , to affect to show all his Wit , and I know a Man who in the very first visits he makes in places where he would render himself acceptable , passes continually from one subject to another , without examining any to the bottom ; and I may affirm without exaggeration , that in an hours time I have heard him speak of all the things that fall under Discourse , since he told not only all that passed at Court , but likewise all that passed in the City . Then he told all that he had done that day ; he also related what was said in the places where he had that day been , and asked Arpasia what she had done . Afterward he rallied Melinta for her silence , and then fell to talk of Musick and Painting . He made several proposals of going abroad , and said so many different things , that a Man in the company taking notice of this great diversity , made others likewise observe it with intention to commend him , for in short , said he , after having caus'd it to be remark'd , there is nothing more tiresome than to fall into Converse with those sort of People who apply themselves to the first thing that is started , and do so canvass it , that in a whole Afternoon they never change discourse . For as Conversation ought to be free and natural , and that all those who compose the Company have equally right to change it as they think fit , it is an importunate thing to meet with those opiniative People , who leave nothing to be said upon a subject , and who are ever harping upon it , what care soever is taken to interrupt 'em . For my part , said Cilenia , I am very much concerned to hear you all talk at the rate you do , for in short , if it is not fitting to be always like Damophilus , talking of Sciences ; if it be tedious to discourse of all the little cares of a Family ; if it be not convenient to speak often of Cloths ; if it is a want of judgment to discourse only of intrigues of Gallantry ; if there is but little diversion in speaking of Genealogies ; if it is too mean to discourse of Lands sold or exchang'd ; if it be likewise forbidden to speak too much of our own Affairs ; if too great a gravity is not diverting in Conversation ; if there is folly in laughing too often , and in laughing without reason ; if the relations of fatal and extraordinary Accidents are not acceptable ; if the little Transactions of the Neighborhood are tedious to those who live not thereabouts ; if those Conversations of little things that are whispered in the ear , are importunate ; if those People are to blame who only discourse of Great Occurrences ; if those eternal seekers of Cabinet Counsels are not in the right , what must we then talk of ? and of what must the Conversation be compos'd to render it both rational and pleasing ? It must be of all that we have found fault with , Valeria reply'd , agreeably and smiling ; in short , though all those People we have mentioned , are incommodious I however boldly maintain , that we cannot speak but of what they do ; and that the same subjects may furnish matter agreeably to discourse on , notwithstanding they prove so mortifying in those Peoples management . I easily apprehend what Valeria says is true , reply'd Amilcar , though it did not seem so to me at first ; for I am so perswaded , all sort of things are proper for Conversation , that I do not except any . And indeed , added Valeria , it is not in any wise to be imagined , that there are things that are not sit for Discourse ; for 't is true that there are certain Encounters wherein such things might be very properly spoken , that would be ridiculous on any other Occasion . For my part , said Amithone , I confess , I could wish there were rules for Conversation , as there are for many other things . The principal rule , replied Valeria , is never to say any thing that contradicts the Judgment . But still , added Nicanor , I would willingly know more precisely , how you conceive the Conversation ought to be . I conceive , replied she , that to speak in general , it ought oftner to be of common and galla●…t things , than of great Transactions ; but however , I conceive that nothing is forbidden ; that it ought to be free and diversified , according to the times , places and persons with whom we are , and that the secret is of speaking always nobly of mean things , very plainly of high things ; and very gallantly of gallant things , without transport and affectation . Thus though the Conversation ought ever to be equally natural and rational ; yet I must say , that on some occasions , the Sciences themselves may be brought in with a good grace , and that agreeable follies may likewise have their place , provided they be ingenious , modest and gallant . insomuch as to speak with reason , we may for certain affirm , that there is nothing but may be said in Conversation , in case it be manag'd with Wit and Judgment , and the Party considers well where he is , to whom he speaks , and who he is himself . Notwithstanding though Judgment be absolutely necessary for the never saying any thing but what is to the purpose ; yet , the Conversation must appear so free , as to make it seem we don 't reject any of our thoughts , and all is said , that comes into the fancy , without any affected design of speaking rather of one thing than of another . For there is no thing more ridiculous than those People , who have subjects on which they talk Wonders ; and except in such cases , can say nothing but impertinencies . So I would never have it known , what it is we are to say , and yet that we always know well what it is we say . For if this course be taken , Women will not impertinently pretend to be knowing , nor be ignorant to excess , and every one will say what he ought to say for the rendring the Conversation agreeable . But what is most necessary to make it soft and diverting is , that it must be influenced , with a certain spirit of Politeness , which absolutely banishes all bitter Raileries , as well as all those , which may in any wise offend Modesly ; and in short , 't is likewise requisite to know the art of turning things so handsomely , that a Gallantry may be told to the severest Woman in the world ; that a little Foppery may be related to grave and serious People ; that you may speak properly of the Sciences to the ignorant , if you be forced to it , and in sum , that you may change your wit according to the things that are spoken of , and according to the People you discourse with . But besides all I have now said , I would have it likewise governed with a certain spirit of joy , which without having the least taint of those eternal laughers who make so great a noise for so small a matter ; do however inspire a disposition into the hearts of all the company , to make every thing contribute to their diversion , and to weary themselves with nothing ; I , and I would have both mean and lofty things said , in case they be spoke well and to the purpose , and yet without being under any constraint of never having any thing spoken but what is necessary to be said . In short , added Amilear , without giving you the trouble of speaking any more upon Conversation , or to make Laws for it , there needs no more than to admire yours , and to do as you do , to merit the admiration of all the earth , for I assure you , that no body will reprehend me though I should affirm , that I never heard you say any thing but what was agreeable , gentile and judicious ; and never any body had to that perfection as you have , the Art of pleasing charming and diverting . I could wish , reply'd she , blushing , all you say was true , and I might believe you sooner than my self . But to shew you I cannot give you credit , and that I know I am often in the wrong , I declare ingenuously , that I am very sensible I have now said too much , and instead of speaking of all that I conceive of Conversation , I ought to have contented my self with telling all the Company what you have newly said of me .

After this all there present opposing each in his turn the modesty of Valeria , We gave her so many Praises , that we had like to have put her out of Humour ; and afterwards we made so gallant and so chearful a Conversation that it almost lasted until Evening , when this charming Company withdrew to their several Apartments .

BEing the Season when Orange-Trees have most Flowers , the Alleys were so strowed with 'em , that it was impossible not to have a desire to stay in so odoriferous a place and where there were such delightful circumstances for reposing . And indeed the Company having seated themselves there , the Conversation fell at first upon things very far from those it ended withal ; since it was by the choice of the Sents of flowers , in examining what rank was to be given to the odour of Violets , to that of Roses of Pincks , of Jasmin , and to that of the Flowers of Oranges with which they were encompass'd . But after this agreeable contestation , the matter of which was so nice and subtle , had lasted some time , Parthenia said , the only defects of Perfumes , either compos'd or natural , was , that People are too soon accustomed to 'em ; for in short , said she , by possessing them we do not possess them in a little while ; and if we would have the pleasure of them , we must deprive our selves of them for some time , since otherwise , if we always carry 'em about us , we carry them for others , and not for our selves ; and it is certain , continued she , that this Rule is almost universal ; for seeing there are People who grow even accustomed to wear shackles , and there are Slaves who do not feel the heaviness of their Chains , I ought not to think it strange that Pleasure ceases to be sensible through habit ; in as much grief it self ceases to be grief when it has lasted a long time . This Rule which you think so general , replied Theander , is not however so much , but that it has exceptions ; for I am perswaded , there are Evils and Pleasures which we can never so accustom our selves to , as not to have any sense of 'em . All the World talks of Pleasure , said Orontes , but I question if it be precisely known what it is , for every one makes his own fancy the standard of it . As I remember , said Clarice , smiling , I have somewhere read that some say it is a motion of the soul , and others a repose . But for my part , without defining Pleasure in it self , I am content with knowing what it is People call Pleasures ; that is to say , continued Art●…ira , what it is they call the Divertisements of the World . For my part , said Part●…a , I am satisfied that what are vulgarly called Pleasures , are not the real ones . For my part , said Artemira , I have had a very great one for these two days , in reading 〈◊〉 Fable perfectly well invented . And I , said Clarice , have entertained my self with another ; for I have had an extream delight in reading a true History , wherein I have seen admirably well painted the vices and vertues of People of this Age. And you may say what you please , continued she , there is certainly more Pleasure in hearing a thing which we know to be true , than one we know never happen'd in this World . There are true things , answered Artemira , which are so little agreeable , and so far from all likelihood ; and there are others that are invented , so diverting , and so probable , that we may say , sometimes fiction is more agreeable than truth , and resembles truth better than truth it self . As every one has his fancy , said Clarice , I do not undertake to dispute ever any thing by reason ; for that I am perswaded every Man has his own particular reason , to maintain what touches his inclination . What you say is perfectly well said , replied Orontes , And therefore we ought never to condemn the Pleasures of any Person whatsoever , and my humour will not suffer me to find fault with any thing in other People . But neither can I endure , that others should find fault with what I do . For my part , added he , I confess , I sometimes see diverse things that do not please me ; but the natural indifference I have for all such as do not afford me a very great delight , makes me not condemn them , but pass 'em over in silence . And it is my humour ever to condemn those who condemn others . We ought unquestionably to be very reserved in speaking our Sentiments of other Peoples Pleasures , added Orontes . It is however a thing which very few do , said Theander ; for there is nothing more subject to ce●…sure than Pleasures . What you say is true , replied Parthenia , but it must be likewise confessed , there is nothing which makes even the very he●…s of People better known , and thus it is not without reason , 't is grown a Custom to ●…serve 'em . For in a word , in solid and serious Affairs , the minds of Mankind are concerted , and are not to be known and sifted in such occasions . But in Pleasures , we abandon our Hearts and our Wits ; we lay our selves all open ; and they are the true tests of the manners and inclinations of People . 'T is commonly without doubt , by little things said Clarice , we come to know such as are great . sure , said Orontes , those People would be very much mistaken , who should judge of me by my Pleasures ; for I entertain my self in so different kinds and manners , that when Fortune makes me fall into such a placeand juncture , as in all appearance can afford me none : I extract Pleasure out of the very troubles it brings upon me , rather than have none . For in two words , we cannot live without Pleasure ; and those who think they have none , and who are naturally gloomy and peevish , do find a sort of Pleasure in their very Melancholy . You do not then amuse your self with choosing 'em , said Clarice , since you meet with them in all Encounters . For my particular , said Theander , when I am in such Company as this , I ever hold all pleasures are well chosen , and I easily range my self to that which is propos'd to me . And I , said Clarice to him , do out of indifference , what you do out of an obliging complaisance to your friends . And for what concerns me , said Artemira , I have sooner done in desiring nothing , than in examining if I desire one thing rather than another ; for I have hardly perswaded my self that I have chosen , than that I blame my choice , and no longer care for what I had a mind to . But may be then , said Parthenia , you no longer care to be here . All the Company laugh'd at what that lovely Person said . Ah! Madam , reply'd Artemira agreeably , 'T is my mind that is wavering , but as for my heart that is perfectly constant ; and as there are persons here whom I have a very tender love for , I am overjoyed to be amongst 'em , and I know no irresolution in such a juncture . I am perswaded , said Theander , that we ought necessarily to conclude upon all sorts of things , and to make a choice even of Pleasures . Ah! as for Pleasures , cryed Parthenia , you are in the greatest errour imaginable , if you think 't is possible to choose Pleasures which we will not change ; for from the time we begin to speak , until we expire , Pleasures change and ought to change . We play , while Infants ; love divertisements , and eagerly seek 'em in Youth ; allow and enjoy them without seeking 'em in the Age which follows that ; and then in fine , frame to our selves others in the rest of our lives . I am moreover of Opinion , added she , that in one and the same time , in the very same day , one and the same thing may both divert and tire us . Long Pleasures cease being so , neither Plays nor Consorts of Musick ought to be too long . Balls , when we have danced too much , are no longer diverting . Long Raileries are nauseous . And it is properly in Pleasures , variety and intervals are requisite , and the Heart and Mind have need of rest . To speak in general , we see that Men can be capable of contenting themselves with one only Occupation . A Souldier is contented with his Profession ; a Magistrate with his ; a Student the same ; a great Painter paints all his life-time without growing weary ; and an Engraver is ever making Statues , and is never out of humour , but when he has no occasion so to do . But never any Man had one only pleasure . For that reason it is we commonly in [ our ] Tongue talk of Pleasures , and not of Pleasure , when we mean , amusements and divertisements we now discourse of , and not of that inward motion of joy and satisfaction which they may produce in us ; every one supposing secretly , that one only thing cannot produce it always , and that Change , Variety and Novelty do make the principal part of it . If any one would then choose a Pleasure for all his life , I fancy he would quickly come to that pass of having none at all . I am altogether of a contrary Opinion , said Artemira , and you do not take notice , that each of those Pleasures you speak of , has almost an infinite variety and extent , which discovers it self every day more to those who apply themselves entirely to it , and renders it always new , though always the same . If it be so , reply'd Theander , we must then choose those to which we would stick fast . I assure you , added Clarice , this word of Choice is too serious for that purpose ; and in my Opinion , we ought to follow them according to our inclination . For I suppose that the Pleasures we speak of , are properly such as are innocent . So that there being no deliberating , whether they are just or unjust , I conclude we must take them at hazard , as they are offered to us , and according as they suit with our humour . For in short , there is nothing to be decided in this case . Notwithstanding my incertainty , said Artemira , I know that the fair Parthenia reasons on her side . Not but that , added she , if any Man should propose to one of my friends , to go a hunting in bad Weather , as resolute Hunters do , he would rather choose to go to a Play . We do not tell you , said Clarice , you are obliged to accept all the Pleasures which are proposed to you ; for my part I love Fishing as little as you do Hunting , and I never could understand that there was any great Pleasure in seeing a great number of Fish strugling in the Nets , troubling the Water , suffering themselves to be taken without being able to make any resistance . Knowing that you dance perfectly well , added she , I imagine you prefer Balls before all other Pleasures . Balls are certainly very agreeable entertainments , replied Artemira , but as Ladies dance only with a good grace in the World for a certain number of Years , I am already thinking what other Pleasure I shall pursue two or three Years hence . Musick is one which may last all our Lives , said Theander . That I believe , reply'd Artemira . But methinks , when a Woman who has had the reputation of being pretty , no longer hears the Songs that were compos'd in her Praise , and meets with none but new tunes that are made for blooming Beauties , they then afford her but little Pleasure ; and I am perswaded that those who no longer have any share in them , and who judge they never shall , have not then so much kindness for Musick . But as to Plays at least , said Theander , you must grant , that it is a Pleasure for all Ages , all Seasons and all Humours . For there are serious Poems ; and others more Comical . 'T is a Picture of all the Passions , the beauties of History and of Fable are there often joyned together upon the Stage , you see Vice punished , and Vertue recompenced , and every one may there find what is acceptable to his Palate . And principally , interrupted Artemira smiling , those People whose hearts are filled with Ambition , since it is in a Play-House you see all the great events of History . But for my share , I confess sincerely that though I love to see all well-writ Plays , especially when they are new , I would not have it my only Pleasure , and it would not afford me delight if I had not some other . I may affirm , said Parthenia , I take 'em , as chance offers me them , without troubling my thoughts any further ; I neither seek 'em nor do I fly them . I believe we may seek Fortune and find it . But methinks , that Pleasures fly from those , who pursue them with so much eagerness ; and that the pains they take for that purpose , makes them too dear a Purchase . You are in the right , lovely Parthenia , said Theander to her . It often happens , that great premeditated Pleasures grow loathsome at the length , and it has been my Fortune several times in my life to divert and tire my self by turns in one of those long Feasts where all divertisements are in a Crowd . And indeed , they are made rather to shew the magnificence of great Princes , who give them , than for the Pleasures of those who are there present . As I am accused of never contradicting my friends , said Artemira , I find my self to day in a very great perplexity , seeing so many persons that I esteem , have such different Sentiments ; and I have almost a desire not to speak a word more , that I may not be unworthy of the nar●…e of complaisant , that is sometimes bestowed upon me . And to merit that of Opinionative , said Theander , by which I am called without too much reason , I maintain , we ought to choose in all things ; and to consider once in our lives , what all Pleasures have of good or evil . But tell me , interrupted Artemira , if you reckon Gaming in general among the Pleasures . No , replied he laughing , I reckon it among the Passions . And all the Company finding he had reason to do so no longer examined that point . And indeed , said Clarice , we should expose our selves to displease too many People , if we should happen to find fault with Gaming . Believe me , said Artemira , let us not amuse our selves with blaming any of the Pleasures ; there cannot be too many . Let us leave Hunting to the Hunters ; Musick to tender souls ; Comedy to those who love a Play-House ; Dancing to them that dance well ; Walking and Conversation to persons ingenious in Discourse ; Splendid Feasts to those who are able to give Great Entertainments ; Carrousels , running at the Ring , and other great Pleasures , to mighty Princes : And let us not condemn even those , who are able to divert themselves with playing at Marbles . Methinks , said Parthenia , we pass over Pleasures very quickly , and if we consider them better , we should find they are an inexhaustible Subject . That is so much the more true , said Orontes , as according to the Maxims of certain Philosophers , which Theander does not approve of , the end of all Humane Actions is Pleasure . I must confess , answered Theander , I am of a quite contrary Opinion ; being certain , that the motive of all great actions is not Pleasure in the least ; and 't is sufficient to look upon it as an infallible effect of a good action ; for I do maintain , that Pleasure is inseparable from Vertue . And indeed , interrupted Parthenia , I easily comprehend , there cannot be any great action done without Pleasure ; and it is not impossible for us to be in the midst of Pleasures , without having any . I am of the same Opinion , said Clarice , and nothing is more redious than a multitude of ill prepared Pleasures , whereof there are so many in the World . But they are not properly the Pleasures you speak of , said Parthenia , that I desire should be the subject of our Discourse , since true Pleasure does not consist in divertisement , the Gods have laid the source of it in the heart of Man . Now as for those kind of Pleasures , which always depend as much or more on others than of our selves , they have no solidity . They even w●…nt taking pains to render 'em the more provocative ; there must at least be intervals in Pleasure , if we would not be fatigued . But the Pleasures which proceed from the heart and reason joyned together , are ever all pure ; and properly speaking , true Pleasures have their chief Source in the hearts of those who feel them . For in general , there cannot be anytrue delight in Criminal Pleasures . They are ever accompanied or followed with vexation , disquiet , remorse and repentance . But are there not , interrupted Clarice , rational persons in all other things , who entertain themselves with very fantastic Pleasures even against reasons . That I grant you , said Parthenia , and I likewise conceive Pleasure may sometime follows capriciousness ; for this being only against Reason , which it has prepossessed , this errour of Pleasure may last . But it is not the same with what is against Vertue ; for of necessity the pleasure of an ill action must sooner or later change into grief . But as for Vertue , now I repeat it once again , it cannot be without Pleasure . Certain it is , that true Vertue does not aspire to Pleasure , and that the Pleasure it causes proceeds naturally from it self , as light proceeds from the Sun . All that Parthenia says , rejoyned Theander , is worthy of the nobleness of her heart , and the generosity of her Sentiments . I commend her as well as you , said Orontes , but you must at least confess , that the Vengeance which is said to be reserved to the Gods , is however a very sweet and sensible Pleasure ; and even in some sort an Heroical Pleasure ; since faint hearted People do not revenge themselves ; or if they do , it is by base and criminal ways which deprive them of the calm Pleasure of Revenge . I take what you say to be a very dangerous Maxim , said Parthenis , and indeed , tho I have heard it pretty often said , Revenge is sweet , I must confess , I was never yet able perfectly to imagine a Revenge just and altogether innocent ; and this without doubt did establish the Maxim , That Vengeance ought to be reserved to the Gods , by reason that assoon as a Man is his own judge , he carrys his Revenge too far and renders it Criminal . And I cannot comprehend any innocent Revenges , but that of a Prince in the Head of an Army , who gains a Battel over unjust Enemies , that had broken their words with him , and furnished him with just reasons to make War . Now as for the Revenges of particular persons , they are all faulty and violent . They believe themselves more offended than they are , and by consequence think their Vengeance much short of the offe●… . They do not choose the means , they make use of to be revenged . And in short , I find a much greater and more solid delight in pardoning and not revenging , through vertue , when it is in our power , than to take revenge very often , as much against our selves , as against our Enemies . You are so very wise to day , said Clarice , that I blush I am not so too . But methinks , there are a cor●…derable number of little Revenges , that are pretty sweet . On the contrary , reply'd Parthenia , little Revenges are of no account , and none properly but the great were capable of giving Pleasure , if Justice and true Reason did not oppose them . But can you find so vast a number of Pleasures , reply'd Clarice , that may not be termed divertisements ? Do not in the least doubt of it , replied Parthenia ; the pleasure of vanquishing in Wars that of speaking in Publick with success ; that of giving delight to those we love and oblige ; that of serving our friends , especially in a great misfortune . Ah! as for that pleasure , said Orontes , few persons are capable of it ; for People commonly fly from ill luck , and follow good fortune . I am not of that Humour , said Parthenia ; for I take delight in grieving with my afflicted friends ; and I have also two or three times in my life taken pleasure in despising pleasures , and in distinguishing my self thereby from those Women who always run after Pleasures without choosing 'em . For my part , said Artemira , I hate all noisy Pleasures , and all those that People so much court . I would have 'em surprise me , and come without my thinking of 'em . I have always heard say , interrupted Parthenia , that the Pleasure of the Gods and that of Kings is to do good : and I must confess 't is the only Pleasure I envy . And for my part , said Orontes , I love Mystery in Pleasures ; and to entertain my self with such as the World knows not of . I know one of that kind , said Parthenia , smiling , which I am very sorry I am not capable of ; for in short , the greatest Pleasure in the world in my Opinion is , what People draw from their own Perfection . Ah! as for that , said Clarice , I have no pretences to 't . But willingly would I know , which of all Pleasures is the most universal . I assure you , replied Theander , there is no Pleasure can be so call●…d , The diversity of Temperaments makes the variety of Pleasures . They are likewise different according to ages ; and nothing is determin'd in this case , except it be that commonly different passions are the rule of Pleasures . Yet we may conclude in general , that we neither can nor ought to live without Pleasures , and that Wisdom consists in regulating them . For after all , those that are termed divertisements , are necessary to the wisest men , and to them of the greatest business , to recreate the mind , fortifie the Soul , and support it in difficult Employs . For my part , said Clarice , having nothing to do but to spend my life without trouble , I will have no other rule therein than innocence ; and all Pleasures of that kind will ever be good to me . Parthenia maintained to her , that how innocent soever Pleasures are , the multitude of 'em is a defect . Clarice defended her self with a great deal of Wit. But they all were of Parthenia's Opinion . Yet at length , added Clarice , you must confess , that grief destroys health , and joy supports and re-establishes it . And to prove it to you , added she , smiling , you need but call to mind the following Stanza : Health the sweet Mother of true Joy , Wer 't not for Pleasures , wou'd soon cloy , And that , which it creates , destroy . All those Ambitious Desires , And Gyant-Thoughts , whose height aspires Beyond the Common Stature , all Like Pelion and Ossa fall , And bruise not only one another , But Crush the Heavers , if not Smother . In this they shew their Love and Hate , They make our Lives of shorter Date , Whilst they make Them Vnfortunate .