Digital Donne: the Online Variorum
The 1654 Prose Letters Letter 35, cont. (p.108) |
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the King) now I have nothing to say. And it is well, for the Letter is already long e- nough, else let this probleme supply, which was occasioned by you, of women wea- ring stones; which, it seems, you were afraid women should read, because you avert them at the beginning, with a prote- station of cleanlinesse. Martiall found no way fitter to draw the Roman Matrons to read one of his Books, which he thinks most morall and cleanly, then to counsell them by the first Epigram to skip the Book, because it was obscene. But either you write not at all for women, or for those of sincerer palates. Though their unworthi- nesse, and your own ease be advocates for me with you, yet I must adde my entreaty, that you let goe no copy of my Problems, till I review them. If it be too late, at least be able to tell me who hath them. Yours, J. Donne. [CW: To] |
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