Hints for Intelligencer Papers, and Maxims Examined

Headnote

Composed 1728–9; copy text Rylands EnglishMS659 (see Textual Account).

These extant manuscript notes and ideas date from 1728–9, and are part of the Piozzi papers in the John Rylands Library, Manchester (Rylands English MS 659). Included in the possible ideas for issues of the Intelligencer, and the origins of Maxims Controlled in Ireland, are incidental proverbial observations and aphorisms.

The notes and their origins are discussed by J. L. Clifford and Irvin Ehrenpreis, ‘Swiftiana in Rylands English MS 659 and Related Documents’, Bulletin of the John Rylands Library 37 (1955), 368–92.

HINTS FOR INTELLIGENCER PAPERS

[MSS 659 (9)]

No great matter for the bulk of women, since the Men are as foolish & ignorant.

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Begin. A person of Quality a little absolute, a man of tact and letters who well knew how to support his opinions, which were generally right, fell into one, which I thought he held in a sense not sufficiently limited., although he hadmany old proverbs andmaxims on his side, which carry the authority of ages with him that women shoud only regard their Children & family &c.

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My practice of advising Ldys to read, and what;2 andmy way of instructing young Misses.

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I used to stay a month or two. the Country desolate, the Neighbourhood scarce and not very inviting.

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A Companion for life to a man of Sense especially without Employmnt, and violent lover of the Country, should have a reasonable companion., who could distinguish a man of Sense &c, and relish good conversation without being talkative, positive or assuming

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It would make the women love home better, and able to teach their Daughters.

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The Lady was a considerable heiress used too fondly, live in Town had that kind of Education which is called the best, learning Italian, French, Musick and Singing, all wch she forgot &c. | fell into play, visits, assemblies &c.

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No French Romances., and few plays, for young Ladyes

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How hard for a woman to live solitary and not read;

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A generall inspection into family affairs right: but not to be a Hous keeper &c. any more than an Architect should have his hand: in mortar.