[29]. My father, Robert Owen’s definition of chastity is also an excellent one: “Prostitution, Sexual intercourse without affection: Chastity, Sexual intercourse with affection.”
[30]. Proverbs v. 18.
[31]. It is not uncommon to hear of women deriving no pleasure from the sexual embrace; and however powerful an inducement the expected reward of the highest sensual gratification may be to encourage propagation, such a consummation, although much it may be wished for, is not absolutely necessary for impregnation. I have met with numerous females who, like [[35]]the mother of one of Napoleon’s Generals, have declared: “Qu’elle n’avoit eu que les douleurs d’enfanter.”
[32]. This, of course, must be rather a matter of conjecture and approximation, than of accurate calculation.
[33]. And I doubt whether she permits it, without more or less of injury, to the average of constitutions, oftener than once a week. Certain I am, that any young man who will carefully note and compare his sensations, will become convinced, that temperance positively forbids such indulgence, at any rate, more than twice a week; and that he trifles with his constitution who neglects the prohibition. How immeasurably important that parents should communicate to their sons, but especially to their daughters, facts like these!
[34]. For the English reader, I have attempted the following imitation of the above lines:
Crown his brows with laurel wreath,
Who can tread the field of death—
Tread—with armed thousands near—
And know not what it is to fear.