CHAPTER XIX.
RESIGNATION.
The eye-brows of Resignation are slightly elevated, the lids widely apart; the iris not tense, but soft with lustre; the motion of the eye is slow, but free and independent, and generally acting in a curve. The consciousness of the value and grace of virtue has reached a maturity in feeling and understanding, which is evinced in the eye. Resignation is occupied in the cultivation of the great parts of mind and soul, and fears that an extensive and unremitting intercourse with men may stifle the growth of many of the sweetest germs of virtue, and scare away gentle, tender conscience, which trembles where busy worldlings discuss the trivial interests of time.
Her modest bearing is a soft shade to the excellence of her form, giving it effect and beauty; it raises and rounds the peering points of elegance, and makes all colours blend so infinitely in order, until the figure seems veiled in purest light:—
Modest as morning, when she coldly eyes
The youthful Phœbus.
No anxiety for good news; no esteem for hasty relief. By this eye all news is qualified: the bad is not feared, the good is not exulted in; for well does the owner know, the cedar shall fall, whilst the reed quivers in the marsh, until Endymion culls it to tell the silver tones of love
