HE object of this volume is to illustrate, from the qualities which brighten Home with the Sun shine of Domestic Life. It has been the author's desire to select the lives of women illustrious for their household virtues, and, as far as possible, to avoid those subjects which have been well worn by previous writers. To most young readers, it is presumed, the following sketches will have a certain. novelty. They are founded upon the best and latest authorities; but, at the risk of rendering his labours less interesting, the author has carefully avoided all exaggeration of detail or colouring. He has shrunk from treating his subjects 'sensationally,' and in every instance confined himself to the sober truthfulness of history. In dealing with such themes as the virtues and moral qualities of women, it is impossible, perhaps, to say aught that is new, and very often what is new is not true. While the author has had no ambition to startle his critics with ingenious paradoxes, it has also been his desire not to weary them with venerable platitudes. With the exception of the few plain observations prefixed to each biography, he has left his young readers to discern for themselves the obvious moral which every good and noble life presents, assured that their quick wits and bright intelligences will not fail to learn the lessons taught in the following pages. W. H. D. A. December 1866. |