their durability have always been unfortunate. They have acquired ſtrength by abſence and conſtitutional melancholy.—The fancy has hovered round a form of beauty dimly ſeen—but familiarity might have turned admiration into diſguſt; or, at leaſt, into indifference, and allowed the imagination leiſure to start freſh game. With perfect propriety, according to this view of things, does Rouſſeau make the miſtreſs of his ſoul, Eloiſa, love St. Preux, when life was fading before her; but this is no proof of the immortality of the paſſion.
Of the ſame complexion is Dr. Gregory's advice reſpecting delicacy of ſentiment, which he advises a woman not to acquire, if ſhe has determined to marry. This determination, however, perfectly conſiſtent with his former advice, he calls indelicate, and earneſtly perſuades his daughters to conceal it, though it may govern their conduct: as if it were indelicate to have the common appetites of human nature.
Noble morality! and conſiſtent with the cautious prudence of a little ſoul that cannot extend its views beyond the preſent minute diviſion of exiſtence. If all the faculties of woman's mind are only to be cultivated as they reſpect her dependence on man; if, when ſhe obtains a husband ſhe has arrived at her goal, and meanly proud is ſatisfied with ſuch a paltry crown, let her grovel contentedly, ſcarcely raiſed by her employments above the animal kingdom; but, if ſhe is ſtruggling for the prize of her high calling, let her cultivate her underſtanding without ſtopping to conſider what character the huſband
