Page:Language of the Eye.djvu/119

Rh the whole expression is akin to modesty, but its name is "Innocence." Milton says:—

This is the eastern beauty clad in ignorance and innocence; and this sweet little eye moves slowly in curves and lines, but heedless as hopeless; it has no hope, no fear, no joy or sorrow; and it seems adapted to the narrow area and few objects, over which it may exercise; it expresses none of nature's delights, yearnings or solicitudes; it may not roam over nature's beauties, nor gather one fresh thought to feast the lonely heart, or take some humble part in those extacies and luxuriant delights which social variety presents to the more favoured beauties of Spain, France, and England. Though bright and dark, well-shaped and pleasing, it seems to decline sympathy.

The life of the young Turkish females is one of luxurious idleness; they rise early, have frequent baths which render their bodies soft as velvet; bathing and sleeping consume their heavy hours. The lady described in the illustration, is but one of many slaves of one master. Alas! all the splendour and various coloured furniture, cannot light up that eye with nature's dazzling glory; it is day by day the same placid and monotonous orb. How great are the privileges of some! Roscoe says:—

Freedom! blest gift, whom none condemn who know,

Dear is thy presence in this world below;