The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

From the CONNOISSEUR. No. XXXVI.

In the days of Queen Elizabeth, it was the fashion for the ladies to conceal and wrap up as much of their bodies as they could: -- Their necks were encompassed with a broad ruff, which likewise spread itself all over their bosoms: and their sleeves were continued down and fastened close to their wrists, while their feet were allowed to peep from under the modest farthingale; so that nothing was exposed to the impertinent eye of man, but their faces. Our modern ladies have run into the contrary extreme, and appear like so many rope-dancers: They have discarded as much of their clothes as can, with any tolerable decency be thrown off, and may be said, (like the Indian) to be all face: The neck and bosom are laid bare and disentangled from the invidious veil of a handkerchief; the stays are open half way down the waist, and the petticoat has risen in the same proportion from the ankle. Nor is the lover only captivated by the naked charms, which meet his sight before; but our ladies, like the Parthians, have also learned the art of wounding from behind, and attract our attention no less by laying their shoulders open to the view; which, (as a young physician of my acquaintance once observed) makes them look as if they were prepared to receive a blister. A naked lady is no longer the admiration only of a masquerade: Every public assembly will furnish us with Iphigenias undressed for the sacrifice; and if the next summer should happen to be a hot one, our ladies will improve on the thin vesture of the Spartan virgins, and appear abroad in nothing but a gauze shade and lawn petticoat. If the men should take the hint from the other sex, and begin to trip in their turn, I tremble to think what will be the consequence: For, if they go on in proportion with the women, we may soon expect to see our fine gentlemen, like the Highlanders, without breeches.