the most dangerous works, and the sad consequences of bad reading."
But previous to the formation of this plan, and soon after the Revolution of Les trois Jours, Madame Belloc was appointed by the government of France to assist General Lafayette in establishing public libraries; but owing to various obstacles the design was never encouraged, and finally was abandoned. Then the select circulating library was planned,—we do not know what its success has been; but the idea illustrates the noble character of these women. Another work of their united care was very successful. They edited and published a monthly Magazine—"La Ruche, Journal d'études Familière,"—devoted to the education of girls.
The principal works of both have been prepared for the young. "Pierre et Pierrette," by Madame Belloc, was crowned (or obtained the prize) by the French Academy; and "Corbeille de l'Anné or Mélodies de Printemps," by Mademoiselle Montgolfier, was adopted, by the University, in the primary and high schools for girls. She has written many other works for the young, among which are "Piccolissima," and "Contes devenus Histoires."
Madame Belloc has translated many useful works for the youth of her fair laud, ftom the English language, and from American authors. Miss Sedgwick's writings are among her favourites. She also translated Dr. Channing's "Essay upon the actual state of Literature in the United States, and the importance of a National Literature," to which Madame Belloc prefixed an "Essai sur la vie publique et privie de l'Auteur," written with much discrimination and good sense.
But the lofty patriotism and noble sentiments of Madame Belloc are strikingly expressed in a work published in 1826, at Paris, entitled "Bonaparte and the Greeks:"—those who would become acquainted with the mind of a gifted and true woman should read this work. It breathes the assurance of moral renovation in France,—a nation must struggle upward if the souls of its women hold the truth steadfast; and France has daughters worthy of this encomium.
M. Jullien, the distingushed editor of the Revue Encyclopédique, in speaking of Madame Belloc, alludes especially to her piety, her filial tenderness and sacrifices, the constancy of her attachments, and gives instances to illustrate her compassionate zeal for the unfortunate. She is described as "majestic in figure, with a countenance expressive of benevolence and intelligence;" a Minerva in form, as well as in wisdom and goodness.
BENDISH, BRIDGET,
Wife of Thomas Bendish, Esq., was the daughter of General Ireton, and grand-daughter of Oliver Cromwell; whom she resembled in piety, dissimulation, personal arrogance, and love of display. After managing her salt-works at Southtown, in Norfolk, with all the labour and exertion of the most menial servant, she would sometimes spend an evening at the public assembly at Yarmouth, where her princely behaviour and dignified manners ensured her the respect of her neighbours. This remarkable woman, who, in public life, would have been famous for her great mental powers and self-command, died in retirement, in 1727. Hers was a mixed character, in which one could hardly decide whether the great or the little predominated.
