In this book-length critique of American literature at mid century, satirist Augustine Duganne has harsh things to say about contemporary authors and editors. Here, as he concludes his review of Boston’s literati, he serves up a conventional view of women as conversationalists.

But, apropos—when poetry’s “the fashion,”
Women and men alike must feel the passion:
Verse-writing’s very nice on gilt-edged vellum,
Crow-quilled by some young literary Pelham.
Let women write—their will ‘tis useless balking:
They do less harm by writing than by talking!
Write—write! but, oh, I charge each rhyming   daughter,
Let not the men purloin your milk and water.

Private Collection