says of Mme. Dacier, "She knows how to associate learning with
the amenities; for at present modesty is out of fashion; there is
no more shame for vices, and women blush only for knowledge."

But if they did not write, they presided over the mint in which
books were coined. They were familiar with theories and ideas at
their fountain source. Indeed the whole literature of the period
pays its tribute to their intelligence and critical taste. "He
who will write with precision, energy, and vigor only," said
Marmontel, "may live with men alone; but he who wishes for
suppleness in his style, for amenity, and for that something
which charms and enchants, will, I believe, do well to live with
women. When I read that Pericles sacrificed every morning to the
Graces, I understand by it that every day Pericles breakfasted
with Aspasia." This same author was in the habit of reading his
tales in the salon, and noting their effect. He found a happy
inspiration in "the most beautiful eyes in the world, swimming in
tears;" but he adds, "I well perceived the cold and feeble
passages, which they passed over in silence, as well as those
where I had mistaken the word, the tone of nature, or the just
shade of truth." He refers to the beautiful, witty, but erring
and unfortunate Mme. de la Popeliniere, to whom he read his
tragedy, as the best of all his critics. "Her corrections," he
said, "struck me as so many rays of light." "A point of morals
will be no better discussed in a society of philosophers than in
that of a pretty woman of Paris," said Rousseau. This constant
habit of reducing thoughts to a clear and salient form was the
best school for aptness and ready expression. To talk wittily
and well, or to lead others to talk wittily and well, was the
crowning gift of these women. This evanescent art was the life