Ludwig Lavater on excess in apparel

[Reformed Covenanter]

Excess in apparel, as it argueth the levity and wantonness of the mind, by daily changing of fashions, apishly imitating the French, Spanish, & Italian cut: so doth it transform us into their lewd manners: wherein not youths only, but old Dotards also (whom it as well beseemeth, as a Fiddle doth an Ass) do offend. Every man in his Velvet, Silks, Gold, Silver, Pearls, whereas in the mean time, the poor and needy in great numbers starve for cold & nakedness.

For the refernce, see:

Ludwig Lavater on excess in apparel

Excess in apparel, as it argueth the levity and wantonness of the mind, by daily changing of fashions, apishly imitating the French, Spanish, & Italian cut: so doth it transform us into their l…

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[ZackF]

Thought our Chat friend could help.

Please modernize the following text:

Excess in apparel, as it argueth the levity and wantonness of the mind, by daily changing of fashions, apishly imitating the French, Spanish, & Italian cut: so doth it transform us into their lewd manners: wherein not youths only, but old Dotards also (whom it as well beseemeth, as a Fiddle doth an Ass) do offend. Every man in his Velvet, Silks, Gold, Silver, Pearls, whereas in the mean time, the poor and needy in great numbers starve for cold & nakedness.



Too much focus on fashion and constantly changing styles, copying those of France, Spain, and Italy, shows a frivolous and carefree attitude and can lead to adopting their immoral behavior. Both young people and elderly individuals, who look out of place in such attire, engage in this behavior, while many people struggle to keep warm and cover themselves due to poverty.

 

[Phil D.]

Funny he didn't mention the alure of English fashion...

Please modernize the following text:

Excess in apparel, as it argueth the levity and wantonness of the mind, by daily changing of fashions, apishly imitating the French, Spanish, & Italian cut: so doth it transform us into their lewd manners: wherein not youths only, but old Dotards also (whom it as well beseemeth, as a Fiddle doth an Ass) do offend. Every man in his Velvet, Silks, Gold, Silver, Pearls, whereas in the mean time, the poor and needy in great numbers starve for cold & nakedness.



Too much focus on fashion and constantly changing styles, copying those of France, Spain, and Italy, shows a frivolous and carefree attitude and can lead to adopting their immoral behavior. Both young people and elderly individuals, who look out of place in such attire, engage in this behavior, while many people struggle to keep warm and cover themselves due to poverty.

Not a bad paraphrase, although I think it misses the point when it takes "excess in" to mean "too much focus on." "Extravagant" would fit the context better.

 

[ZackF]

I am curious how it will process more irregular, older spellings.