Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/105

Rh that the canker-worm is at work; and we ought to pity rather than blame the unfortunate. Indeed when painful activity of mind occaſions this inattention, it will not laſt long; the ſoul ſtruggles to free itſelf, and return to its uſual tone and old habits. The lady we have been ſpeaking of, ever appears a ſloven, though ſhe is ſometimes a diſgusting figure, and, at others, a very taudry flirt.

I continually caution Caroline not to ſpend much time in adorning her perſon; but I never deſired you to neglect yours. Wiſdom conſiſts in avoiding extremes—immoderate fondneſs for dreſs, I term vanity; but a proper attention to avoid ſingularity does not deſerve that name. Never waſte much time about trifles; but the time that is neceſſary, employ properly. Exerciſe your underſtanding, taſte flows from it, and will in a moment direct you, if you are not too ſolicitous to conform to the changing faſhions; and loiter away in laborious idleneſs the precious moments when the imagination is most lively, and ſhould Rh