Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/71

Rh It is conſcious worth, truth, that gives dignity to her walk, and ſimple elegance to her converſation. She has, indeed, a moſt excellent underſtanding, and a feeling heart; ſagacity and tenderneſs, the reſult of both, are happily blended in her countenance; and taſte is the poliſsh, which makes them appear to the beſt advantage. She is more than beautiful; and you ſee her varied excellencies again and again, with increaſing pleaſure. They are not obtruded on you, for knowledge has taught her true humility: ſhe is not like the flaunting tulip, that forces itſelf forward into notice; but reſembles the modeſt roſe, you ſee yonder, retiring under its elegant foliage.

I have mentioned flowers—the ſame order is obſerved in the higher departments of nature. Think of the birds; thoſe that ſing beſt have not the fineſt plumage; indeed juſt the contrary; God divides His gifts, and amongſt the feathered race the nightingale (ſweeteſt of warblers, who pours forth her varied ſtrain when ſober eve comes on) you would ſeek in vain in Rh