THE

HISTORY

OF THE

CONDITION OF WOMEN.

VOL. I.

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

CONDITION OF WOMEN,

IN VARIOUS AGES AND NATIONS.

BY

MRS. D. L. CHILD,

AUTHOR OF "MOTHER'S BOOK,'
""FRUGAL HOUSEWIFE,'

" ETC.

I am a slave, a favored slave

At best, to share his splendor, and seem very blest;
When weary of these fleeting charms and me,

There yawns the sack, and yonder rolls the sea.

What am I then a toy for dotard's play,

To wear but till the gilding frets away?-Byron's Corsair.

VOL. I.

COMPRISING THE WOMEN OF ASIA AND AFRICA.

LONDON:

SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO.,

STATIONERS' HALL COURT.

1835.

40.

THE ancient patriarchs led a quiet pastoral life, far removed from those excitements which kindle the avarice and ambition of men in modern times. Their chief care was to increase their flocks; and for this purpose they removed their tents, from time to time, near the most verdant pastures and abundant fountains. Their habits and manners