Liber II, Pars II — Quod universaliter omnes cives, et multo magis nobiles et reges, et principes debent solicitari erga filias, ne velint vivere ociosae. Cap. XX.

Liber II, Pars II — Quod universaliter omnes cives, et multo magis nobiles et reges, et principes debent solicitari erga filias, ne velint vivere ociosae. Cap. XX.

As was said above, the philosopher states. Rheto. He commends the love of diligence in women. We can pursue this in three ways, which is fitting for all citizens, and even more so for nobles, and especially for kings and princes, to be concerned about the governance of their daughters so that they do not wish to live idly, but love to engage in some lawful and honorable work. The first way is derived from honorable enjoyment, which they have from it. The second is from illicit desire, which is avoided for this reason. The third arises from fruit and usefulness, which comes from it. The first way is thus clear. For according to the Philosopher. Life cannot endure without any pleasure, therefore they are condemned who say that all pleasure must be avoided. Therefore, if we cannot endure life comfortably unless we delight in some things, we ought to take up some lawful and honorable works, around which we can find some lawful pleasures. Likewise, men ought to strive to avoid idleness, and to find delight in lawful works, focusing on civil duties or on matters related to the governance of the kingdom, or on the management of the household, or on any other lawful activities. So too, women should love industriousness, so that they do not live idly; and it is fitting for them to engage in some lawful and honorable works. Since all delight in their own works, and everyone loves their own tasks, as the Philosopher says. Therefore, in order for women to enjoy some lawful pleasures, it is fitting for them to be focused on some lawful and honorable works, which seems to be even more expedient for women than for men; especially since those who are more deficient in reason do not know how to live unless they derive pleasure from some tangible activities. What kinds of works ought to be pursued by women will become clear in the course of discussion. The second way to investigate this is derived from the avoidance of illicit desires. For women, especially young girls, tend to be preoccupied with domestic matters and do not engage in civil duties or the governance of the state; if the human mind (as was said earlier) cannot be idle, then as soon as someone does not apply themselves to lawful activities, their mind wanders toward illicit pursuits. Thus, it is even more necessary to be cautious with women than with men, since they are more easily swayed and are drawn more readily to illicit thoughts, so that they may engage in those activities (if the opportunity arises). The third way is derived from the fruit and benefit that arise from it. For women can never devote themselves to lawful activities unless some good arises from them, either in the form of external works or some good disposition of the inner mind. Therefore, diligence and care must be applied so that women may be good and virtuous. This is supported by the first Rhetorician philosopher. The Lacedaemonians are criticized and said to be nearly half unfortunate because they do not apply care and diligence in how their women might be virtuous and good. Therefore, there must be care taken so that women do not live idly, but engage themselves in some lawful and honorable work, so that from this there may arise fruit and benefit, and they may become good and virtuous. If one asks what kinds of work women should be engaged in, it is necessary to speak differently according to the diversity of persons. For weaving and spinning, and working with silk, seem to be quite suitable tasks for women. However, if a woman were to be educated to such a high degree that it would not be fitting or customary according to the customs of her country for her to engage in such activities, she should still not be allowed to live idly, but should be devoted to the study of literature, so that, being inspired by a love for learning, she would not be idle, but often taking up a book, would occupy herself with reading. From this, it is declared what we previously mentioned when we discussed the governance of marriage. For it was said that it should be declared below what kinds of work women should be attentive to.