Perhaps there is nothing greater on earth than the sacrifice of youth and beauty, often of high birth, made by the gentle sex in order to work in hospitals for the relief of human misery, the sight of which is so revolting to our delicacy. Peoples separated from the Roman religion have imitated but imperfectly so generous a charity.

Summary

This quote presents the opinion that the sacrifice made by young and beautiful women, sometimes from high social classes, who choose to work in hospitals for the purpose of alleviating human suffering, is one of the greatest acts on earth. It highlights the contrast between those who follow the Roman religion and those who do not, suggesting that non-followers can only imitate this selfless and generous charity to a limited extent. The quote also acknowledges the challenging nature of working in hospitals and the visual unpleasantness that can be encountered, emphasizing the sacrifices made by these women.

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