Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/738

724 The principal of her works are, The Letters of Fanny Butler; Lady Catesby; Amelia; Madame Sancerre; Lord Rivers; detached pieces; Sophie de Valliere; Le Nouveau Theatre Anglois; and ''the History of the Mqs. de Cressy''. .

Robert received a most excellent education, for which she was chiefly indebted to the instructions of Fontenelle, who took infinite pleasure in improving her genius and taste for letters. She wrote many works of fiction, both amusing and instructive. La Paysanne Philosophe, which is called her best; La Voix de la Nature; Les Voyages de Mylord Céton dans les Sept Planetes; Nicole de Beauvais, ou l'Amour vaincu par la Reconnaissance; Les Ondins, &c.

The voyages of my Lord Céton, an English Nobleman, and his sister, through the Seven Planets, conducted by a familiar or genius, in imitation of the Mentor of Fenelon, is amusing and instructive; and gives occasion to much playful satire, levelled at the inhabitants of this planet. The description of the moon particularly, is that of Paris.

In all the works of this lady there appear a fruitful imagination, strong sense, and a tone of sentiment which interests. Her stile is simple and natural, but energetic. . ROBIN-