Amusement

not claim that cause is the only one.

our economic conditions have enormous weight upon our amusements as on all other human phenomena but even under economic pressure the reactions of men and women are often dissimilar tired men and women both need amusement the relaxation and restful change of irresponsible gaiety The great majority of women who work longer hours than any other class need it desperately and never get it.

Amusement, entertainment, recreation should be open to us all, enjoyed by all.

This is a human need and not a distinction of either sex.

Like most human things, it is not only largely monopolized by men, but masculized throughout.

Footnote four.

If I have in this letter praised the good humor of a man confessedly too inattentive to business, and if in another, Amusements, I have written somewhat sarcastically of the brick-floored parlor which the butcher lets, be credit given to me that in the one case I had no intention to apologize for idleness, nor any design in the other to treat with contempt the resources of the poor.

The good humor is considered as the consolation of disappointment, and the room is so mentioned because the lodger is vain.

Most of my readers will perceive this, but I shall be sorry if by any I am supposed to make pleas for the vices of men, or treat their wants or infirmities with derision or with disdain.

Letter nine of The Borough by George Crabbe.

This LibriVox recording is in the public domain.

Letter nine, Amusements.

Interpona tuis interdum gaudia curis, ut possis animo quemvis suffrere laborem.