Page:A cyclopaedia of female biography.djvu/589

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MOR. MOS. MOT.
567

great zeal. It should be carefully read by all who wish to gain a compendious knowledge of woman's history, and a graphic sketch of her influence in the early ages. Many new and valuable truths are promulgated; and though some of the opinions are unsound, because unscriptural, yet the earnest wish to benefit her sex, and improve society, has gifted the writer with great power in setting forth much that is true, and of the utmost importance.

It appears to us that the greatest blemish in the works of this indefatigable writer, is the under-current, more or less strong, running through many of them, bearing the philosophical opinions, or sayings rather, of the French sentimental school of infidels. We do not think Lady Morgan an unbeliever; but she gives occasion for censure by expressions, occasionally, that favour free-thinkers. If she had but served God, in her writings, with the same enthusiastic zeal she served her country, what a glorious woman she would have been!

Before she quite relinquished her literary labours, Lady Morgan, in conjunction with her husband, produced two volumes of sketches, which appeared under the title of "A Book without a Name." Lady Morgan has made large sacrifices for liberal principles, which she has at all times boldly avowed, and the pension of three hundred pounds a year from the Civil List, conferred on her by Lord Grey during his ministry, was well deserved for this and her services to the world of letters.

MORLEY, COUNTESS OF,

Is author of several novels, which have attained considerable popularity both in England and America. Among these, the best, perhaps, are "Dacre," "The Divorced," and "Family Records;" the first is considered very good.

MOSCHENI, COSTANZA,

Of Lucca. This lady is endowed with great activity of mind. She has written much, and published a translated poem, and an original one in octave rhyme, which are highly praised.

MOSEBY, MARY WEBSTER,

Wife of John G. Moseby, Esq., of Richmond, Virginia, was gifted with poetic genius of no ordinary power. Her only published work was of undoubted merit, "Pocahontas, a Legend; with Historical and Traditional Notes;" issued in 1840. She also wrote for periodicals, and was highly esteemed for her virtues and literary accomplishments. Deeply versed in the holy Scriptures, and giving much time to Biblical researches, she was always at home on religious topics; and fervent piety was the loveliest attribute of her genius. Her father was Mr. Robert Pleasants, and she was connected by blood with the Randolph family. Mrs. Moseby died in Richmond city in 1844, aged fifty-two.

MOTHER ANNA, or ANN OF SAXONY,

Was the daughter of Christian the Third, King of Denmark. She was born in the year 1631, and as the only daughter of her mother, Dorothea, became the idol of her heart. But the queen, convinced that the best interest of her child must be promoted by