Other related topics at:
Virtue and Vice
202. Deterrence; Fornication;
Prostitution
He strongly censured the licensed stews at Rome. Boswell:
"So then, Sir, you would allow of no irregular intercourse
whatever between the sexes?" Johnson: "To be sure I
would not, Sir. I would punish it much more than is done, and so
restrain it. In all countries there has been fornication, as in
all countries there has been theft; but there may be more or
less of the one, as well as the other, in proportion to the force
of law. All men will naturally commit fornication, as all men
will naturally steal. And, Sir, it is very absurd to argue, as
has been often done, that prostitutes are necessary to prevent
the violent effects of appetite from violating the decent order
of life; nay, should be permitted, in order to preserve the
chastity of our wives and daughters. Depend upon it, Sir, severe
laws, steadily enforced, would be sufficient against those evils,
and would promote marriage."
Boswell: Life
Link
985. Fornication
A gentleman ... supposed a case of singular perverseness in a
wife, and heedlessly said, "That then he thought a husband might
do as he pleased with a safe conscience." JOHNSON. "Nay, Sir,
this is wild indeed (smiling;) you must consider that
fornication is a crime in a single man; and you cannot have more
liberty by being married."
Boswell: Life of Johnson
Link
