determined. He also gives the different mixtures of each of these temperaments which give rise to the intermediate forms. It is enough for our purpose to observe that no absolute standard of beauty can be fixed, each style having its own peculiar excellences; and that, therefore, before any adaptation of dress can be successfully constructed, the contour of the body should be carefully observed, and no attempt made to regulate its form by any preconceived standard of fashion which is based upon any but that particular type.
The great secret of beauty, however, is expression; and this, although varied in everyone according to age, sex, and temperament, is always adorable. Cousin, in his Philosophy of the Beautiful, says:—"The figure of man is of a grave and severe beauty, because it announces dignity and power; the figure of woman is of a delicate beauty, because it reflects kindness, tenderness, and grace. In each sex the beauty will be different only according as the expression differs."
This idea was no doubt present to the mind of the poet, when he wrote his description of our first parents:—
Godlike erect! with native honour clad,
In naked majesty, seemed lords of all.
