The Ladies in Egypt, as they are in all polished luxurious Countries, were true Judges of their own Pleasures,— and had no ill Talent at inventing new ones. The beauteous Helen seems to have been a favourite among them, and to have been let into the Secret of their Ointments, Perfumes, beautifying Fluids, and cordial Drops to banish Melancholy : For a Woman, so accomplished both in Body and Mind, could not miss of a favourable Reception in such; a Country, especially when her Charms were heightened by Distress:
P. 134 (g)/ 139. (i)
A charming Woman ne'er can weep in vain When from her Tongue dear soft Delusions trill, Her balmy Lips send forth a golden Chain, That leads us willing Captives at her Will. Tasso
***
135. / 140.
Among the Egyptian Medicines is the Opium. When they have swallowed it, the Egyptians say, that Men become exceedingly merry, and begin to talk of many strange things: They think themselves much bolder than usual, and fitter for undertaking any daring Enterprise. Afterwards, when they turn drowzy, they fancy themselves in Gardensand
