Chapter VI.—Of Dyeing the Hair.

I see some (women) turn (the colour of) their hair with saffron.  They are ashamed even of their own nation, (ashamed) that their procreation did not assign them to Germany and to Gaul:  thus, as it is, they transfer their hair106    Jam capillos:  so Oehler and Rig.  But the others read patriam capillo:  “they change their country by the instrumentality of their hair.” (thither)!  Ill, ay, most ill, do they augur for themselves with their flame-coloured head,107    Comp. ad Ux., b. i. c. vi. and think that graceful which (in fact) they are polluting!  Nay, moreover, the force of the cosmetics burns ruin into the hair; and the constant application of even any undrugged moisture, lays up a store of harm for the head; while the sun’s warmth, too, so desirable for imparting to the hair at once growth and dryness, is hurtful.  What “grace” is compatible with “injury?”  What “beauty” with “impurities?”  Shall a Christian woman heap saffron on her head, as upon an altar?108    Aram.  For, whatever is wont to be burned to the honour of the unclean spirit, that—unless it is applied for honest, and necessary, and salutary uses, for which God’s creature was provided—may seem to be a sacrifice.  But, however, God saith, “Which of you can make a white hair black, or out of a black a white?”109    See Matt. v. 36.  And so they refute the Lord!  “Behold!” say they, “instead of white or black, we make it yellow,—more winning in grace.”110    Gratia faciliorem.  And yet such as repent of having lived to old age do attempt to change it even from white to black!  O temerity!  The age which is the object of our wishes and prayers blushes (for itself)! a theft is effected! youth, wherein we have sinned,111    Comp. Ps. xxv. 7 (in LXX. xxiv. 7). is sighed after! the opportunity of sobriety is spoiled!  Far from Wisdom’s daughters be folly so great!  The more old age tries to conceal itself, the more will it be detected.  Here is a veritable eternity, in the (perennial) youth of your head!  Here we have an “incorruptibility” to “put on,”112    Comp. 1 Cor. xv. 53. with a view to the new house of the Lord113    Comp. 2 Cor. v. 1. which the divine monarchy promises!  Well do you speed toward the Lord; well do you hasten to be quit of this most iniquitous world,114    Sæculo. to whom it is unsightly to approach (your own) end!

CAPUT VI.

Video quasdam capillum croco vertere, pudet eas etiam nationis suae, quod non Germanae aut Gallae sint procreatae; ita patriam capillo transferunt ; male ac pessime sibi auspicantur flammeo capite , et decorum putant, quod inquinant. Atquin et detrimentum crinibus medicaminum vis inurit et cerebro perniciem, etiam cujuslibet sinceri humoris assiduitas reservat, tum solis animando simul et siccando capillo exoptabilis ardor . Quis decor cum injuria? quae cum immunditiis pulchritudo? Crocum 1322B capiti suo mulier christiana ingeret, ut in aram? Quodcumque enim immundo spiritui excremari solet, id nisi probis et necessariis et salutaribus usibus adhibeatur, ad quod creatura Dei prospecta est, sacrifificium videri potest. Sed enim Dominus ait: Quis vestrum potest capillum atrum ex albo facere, aut album ex atro (Matt., V, 36)? Itaque revincunt Deum; ecce, inquiunt, pro albo vel atro flavum facimus gratia faciliorem; quamvis et atrum ex albo conantur facere, quas poeniteat ad senectam usque vixisse. Pro temeritatem! erubescit aetas exoptata votis , furtum confitetur , adolescentia, in qua delinquimus, suspiratur, occasio gravitatis interpolatur. Absit a sapientiae filiabus stultitia tanta. Senectus, cum plus occultari studuerit, plus detegetur . Haec est aeternitas 1322C nostra de capitis juventute . Hanc incorruptibilem habemus semper induere ad domum Domini, 1323A quam ἀκακία pollicetur . Bene properatis ad Dominum, bene festinatis excedere de isto iniquissimo saeculo, quibus in fine appropinquare deforme est.