of reflection, be apt to think they would have been happier if they had lived in an age of foreheads. Others, now disposed to look a little lower, will chuckle to think that they once lost their hearts to Brutus's. Petty disputes and recriminations may probably take place, but without any very fatal effects, between those who have been captivated by a bosom plain or lappelled, by a cornelian broach or a pearl comb, by Moorish boots or Circassian sleeves; and it may be very harmlessly debated, whether it was wiser to be caught by the curls which Nature has given, or those which the ingenious Mr. Ross has sold.

These remarks lead to the consideration of a circumstance pertaining to Beauty, which has occasionally been noticed by writers on the subject, but not very fully discussed -I mean, the imperfection of Beauty. It appears that while we allow Nature to have considerable powers in making many very sublime and conspicuous objects, such as rocks, mountains, rivers, and other things very much praised by poets and travellers, she generally fails in producing Beauty in the human form. This opinion may to some appear very singular; but it is amply confirmed by the many expedients contrived to improve her manufacture, and that,

.

not only where there seems to be room for improvement, but where the most nice and curious eye can discover no defect. Some of these expedients having already been hinted at, I shall close the subject with remarking that in certain cases the improvers have not always been so successful as the pains they take seem to deserve; and that in other instances they have so totally mistaken the original ideas of the architect, as to create a strange mixture of beauty and deformity, and of decays and repairs, and really make it doubtful whether the edifice is new or old, substantial or tottering.

The contest between Art and Nature in this affair has so long been carried on, that the oldest person now living cannot remember to have ever heard of a peace, or even an armistice. There is, however, a difference worth pointing out in the spirit and disposition of the parties. Nature acts entirely on the defensive; the war, therefore, on her part is just and necessary, and her friends may pray for the success of her arms with unfeigned ardour. The same cannot be said of Art, which plays the part of an invader and usurper, under the base pretence of being an ally and an auxiliary; and I would recommend to those who choose this side, to reflect how much mischief such a

war must occasion, and to remain constant to the politicks of Nature, until such time as the parties shall enter into a treaty of peace, and mark out the precise boundaries of each.

There are some writers who have questioned whether Beauty is not often a misfortune. Without entering very deeply into this question, we may at least say, that it is a misfortune which many bear with great fortitude, and are not only unwilling to alleviate by any means in their power, but are extremely sorry to find it lessened by causes over which they have no command. How long it lasts, is another question, which I find discussed in the writings of some of my predecessors, but which I would wish to touch with all possible delicacy. The exact duration, I think, has never been ascertained. I have known it to go as far as seventy years, and I doubt not but that persons of more experience may have seen it to last much longer. There can be no dispute, therefore, about its being a permanent article; every rout, opera, and ball, shows it; but whether it be exactly the same as to quality, and whether it preserves its attractions for so many years undiminished, is a point upon which there are various opinions. Some have resolved it by addressing permanent beauties in the Jesuitical language, Crede quod

you

habes, et habes -"Believe that you have it, and have it;" an advice which they presume to think is very efficacious, but which others think very unnecessary.

it

We have been told lately that Beauty will be rendered more general by the introduction of the Vaccine Inoculation, and I am old enough to remember that much the same assertion was made on the introduction of the Small Pox Inoculation. Now, without objecting to remedies by which the lives of thousands will be preserved to their friends and their country, may yet be doubted whether Beauty will be rendered more general than it was before. The oldest among us cannot remember the time when those who are most interested in the possession of Beauty complained of the want of it, or even thought themselves deficient. I know that men and mirrors have been subpoenaed to prove the contrary; but men in various cases are very improper judges, and the evidence of mirrors is so soon softened down, that we very rarely hear of any of them being broke for cowardice in deserting their mistresses at the engagement of the toilet. And surely nothing can be more comfortable than this universal consciousness of the possession of Beauty; all the regret is, that it should ever be disturbed

by the opinions of by-standers, or the want of money. Of the latter it may be truly said, that of all artifices by which beauty is created and charms heightened, there are none so truly efficacious at all times and occasions, and in all ages, even the most advanced, as the three per cent. consolidated annuities.

Before concluding this paper, I may advert to a species of Beauty which many ladies seem to prefer, which is of a very singular kind, but of which I am enabled to speak with tolerable certainty, from being personally acquainted with some of those who possess it. If I might express it in one word, I should be inclined to call it Invisible Beauty, seen at least only by those who have some portion of discernment, and though not concealed by any artful means, yet never courting the applause that is conveyed by a stare, or through a glass. It may be best described by negatives: It depends not on any of the circumstances detailed above: It lies under no obligation to those admirable patterns of Beauty, Medusa and Brutus. It owns no obligations to the length or shortness of waists, to pads, or cork rumps. No part of it is to be purchased in the shops. There is not a milliner, mantua-maker, hair-dresser, or jeweller, that deals in any one article of which