In such misfortunes my Mother was of an heroic spirit, in suffering patiently when there was no remedy, and being industrious where she thought she could help.
Margaret CavendishMy other brother, the Lord Lucas, who was Heir to my Fathers Estate, and as it were the Father to take care of us all, is not less Valiant than they were, although his skill in the Discipline of War was not so much, being not bred therein.
Margaret CavendishNot because they were servants were we so reserved, for many noble persons are forced to serve through necessity, but by reason the vulgar sort of servants are as ill bred as meanly born, giving children ill examples and worse counsel.
Margaret CavendishNature, being a wise and provident lady, governs her parts very wisely, methodically, and orderly: Also, she is very industrious and hates to be idle, which makes her employ her time as a good housewife doth.
Margaret CavendishAnd though I might have learnt more wit and advanced my understanding by living in a Court, yet being dull, fearful and bashful, I neither heeded what was said or practised, but just what belonged to my loyal duty and my own honest reputation.
Margaret CavendishFor disorder obstructs: besides, it doth disgust life, distract the appetities, and yield no true relish to the senses.
Margaret CavendishIndeed I had not much wit, yet I was not an idiot - my wit was according to my years.
Margaret CavendishFirst, they were bred when I was not capable to observe or before I was born; likewise the breeding of men is of a different manner from that of women.
Margaret CavendishAnd not only my own brothers and sisters agreed so but my brothers and sisters in law; and their children, although but young, had the like agreeable natures and affectionate dispositions.
Margaret CavendishBut if our sex would but well consider and rationally ponder, they will perceive and find that it is neither words nor place that can advance them, but worth and merit.
Margaret CavendishAnd though my Lord hath lost his estate and been banished out of his country, yet neither despised poverty nor pinching necessity could make him break the bonds of friendship or weaken his loyal duty.
Margaret CavendishAs for plenty, we had not only for necessity, conveniency and decency, but for delight and pleasure to superfluity.
Margaret CavendishFor I had rather die in the adventure ot noble achievements, then live in obscure and sluggish security.
Margaret CavendishThe truth is, we [women] live like bats, or owls, labor like beasts, and die like worms.
Margaret CavendishPain and Oblivion make mankind afraid to die; but all creatures are afraid of the one, none but mankind afraid of the other.
Margaret CavendishThoughts are like stars in the firmament; some are fixed, others like the wandering planets, others again are only like meteors. Understanding is like the Sun, which gives light to all the thoughts. Memory is like the Moon, it hath its new, its full and its wane.
Margaret CavendishSome brains are barren grounds, that will not bring seed or fruit forth, unless they are well manured with the old wit which is raked from other writers and speakers.
Margaret CavendishEveryone's conscience in religion is between God and themselves, and it belongs to none other.
Margaret CavendishA rude nature is worse than a brute nature by so much more as man is better than a beast: and those that are of civil natures and genteel dispositions are as much nearer to celestial creatures as those that are rude and cruel are to devils.
Margaret CavendishIndeed I did not stand as a beggar at the Parliament door, for I never was at the Parliament-House, nor stood I ever at the door as I do know or can remember; not as a petitioner I am sure.
Margaret CavendishNot that I am ashamed of my mind or body, my birth or breeding, my actions or fortunes, for my bashfulness is in my nature, not for any crime.
Margaret CavendishAs for our garments, my Mother did not only delight to see us neat and cleanly, fine and gay, but rich and costly: maintaining us to the heighth of her estate, but not beyond it.
Margaret CavendishFor I, hearing my Lord's estate amongst many more estates was to be sold, and that the wives of the owners should have an allowance therefrom, it gave me hopes I should receive a benefit thereby.
Margaret CavendishIndeed, I was so afraid to dishonour my friends and family by my indiscreet actions, that I rather chose to be accounted a fool, than to be thought rude or wanton.
Margaret Cavendish