| Citation |
NYGWPB.761.148
24 Dec 1761:31 (990)
Since you published Amanda's portended answer to me in your
last, I expect from your honour and impartiality, you will
do me the justice to insert in your next, the following
reply. From yours, &c. [signed] Philodemos. . . Why
Philodemos had said, that he had but an indifferent opinion
of the modesty of a lady, that frequented the play house,
which had so often proved fatal to the reputation of the
sex, by criminal assignation, &c. . . You call on all the
ladies to resent the affront,--The play-house ladies you
mean madam, for others are not at all affected with it. . .
You put the question to my conscience, whether I think plays
will so corrupt a female mind, as to make her lose all sense
of virtue, &c. What has been madam, may be again, if you
want an instance, read the celebrated history of Clarissa
Harlowe, and see where the ruin of poor Sally Miller, took
its rise. . . I perceive you and your play-house ladies,
have been made to believe you are all Goddesses, and proper
objects of adoration.----A doctrine frequently taught at the
theatre! . . .
You allow the Fair Penitent has a lascivious intrigue,
and yet you find it a very instructing play,---that is, it
has taught you when you make such a mis-step, how to become
a fair penitent. . . You say, you'll maintain it, that
plays have no such tendency as I have represented. . .
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