Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/68

that were then in their higheſt ſtate of perfection. I, added ſhe, chooſe to have every kind of flower in my garden, as the ſucceſſion enables me to vary my daily proſpect, and gives it the charm of variety; yet theſe tulips afford me leſs pleaſure than moſt of the other ſort which I cultivate—and I will tell you why—they are only beautiful. Liſten to my diſtinction;—good features, and a fine complexion, I term bodily beauty.  Like the ſtreaks in the tulip, they pleaſe the eye for a moment; but this uniformity ſoon tires, and the active mind flies off to ſomething elſe. The ſoul of beauty, my dear children, conſiſts in the body gracefully exhibiting the emotions and variations of the informing mind.  If truth, humanity, and knowledge inhabit the breaſt, the eyes will beam with a mild luſtre, modeſty will ſuffuſe the cheeks, and ſmiles of innocent joy play over all the features.  At firſt ſight, regularity and colour will attract, and have the advantage, becauſe the hidden ſprings are not directly ſet in motion; but when internal goodneſs is reflected, every