Page:Sarah Sheppard - L. E. L.pdf/78

 circumstances make the mind, why did not the Elizabethean age produce two Shakspeares? Why did not the convulsed struggles, the fiery spirit of the times embody more than one Satan, inspire more than one Milton?" Let L. E. L. have been placed in any situation, however unfavourable to the development of her powers, still her inspired genius would, it must, have shone forth. Place another individual in L. E. L.'s exact position, would the result be similar? Experience ought to make common sense laugh at the question. We no more believe that education, or want of education, or circumstances of trial or prosperity, however similar in their allotment, will destroy the individual distinctions of different minds, and reduce them to one average standard, than that the same regimen will give the same features to different persons. The few artificial defects or redundancies, rhythmical errors, and occasional verbal inaccuracies, sometimes apparent in the productions of genius, are spots on the surface rather than ingrained faults, and as such we leave them to the candor of the reader, without any additional comment. Our closing words flow from the heart's most genial mood. Remembering gratefully all the enjoyment with which the genius of L. E. L. has for us brightened many solitary hours, and infused a deeper charm through social pleasures, we would gather up all the noblest thoughts of our mind, all the kindliest feelings of our soul, to give earnestness to the prayer for Heaven's best and future blessings to rest upon one the most gifted children of Genius, one of England's brightest daughters. And thus, sweet Ladye, for the present, fare you well!