9. I will, too,
that visits amongst the younger, except such as may be due to parents
and those of like age, be few. For modesty is worn away by
intercourse, and boldness breaks forth, laughter creeps in, and
bashfulness is lessened, whilst politeness is studied. Not to
answer one who asks a question is childishness, to answer is
nonsense. I should prefer, therefore, that conversation should
rather be wanting to a virgin, than abound. For if women are
bidden to keep silence in churches, even about divine things, and to
ask their husbands at home, what do we think should be the caution of
virgins, in whom modesty adorns their age, and silence commends their
modesty.