spheres. The doctrine of sphericity is geometry (which like mathematics is of eternal nature), for all forms are contained in the sphere, and all geometrical proofs are capable of being conducted through the sphere. As we have before said, every individual sphere has two motions in itself; for instance, the heavenly bodies depend upon the representation of the primary in themselves by the special rotation, but re-attempting to recover the primary centre through the general rotation around the universal axis. It is thus with the heavenly bodies—those holy images and metotypes of the Eternal.
Perhaps the face and form of woman may be regarded as the very ideal of symmetry, and these in action create by their own grace symmetrical forms; and this symmetry is the highly exalted being endowed with life and exquisite variety.
We may venture to give an illustration of the effect and influence of shape, by referring to the three cousins, whose portraits ornament our pages. Kate is all love and joyance; with her, toil is sweet, and love is her life.
Her virtues graced with external gifts
Soon breed love's settled passions in the breast.
Her countenance, as some placid lake, is enclosed in the sphere. Hermione sustains the same outline, though other feelings occupy her mind "Her passions are made of nothing but the finest parts of true love." Faith, Friendship, and bright Hope are there, which are always enclosed in the sphere. Isabella has conversed with dark spirits, and now sad suspicions and purposes fill that once noble heart. Those lips seem taught to writhe, but not to love, whilst her rugged and angular features are ever violating the line of beauty. It cannot be doubted that the virtues and simple passions when in motion, enclose in their hallowed circuit every indent or rigidity.
