Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/226

 It seemed, as if he had divested himself of all his senses. What he did for his body, was merely to preserve its health, and he would assert, that the prudent care of it, was one half of virtue. He never drank wine or spirits, and when alone, made but one frugal repast, consisting of bread, cheese, butter or dried fruit and vegetables. This rigid diet, instead of debilitating his constitution, only gave it fresh vigor and energy.

Count Selami was also a person of a distinguished character, with which he combined the beauty of an Adonis. He was good-natured and uncommonly gentle. His mind was brilliant and lively, tinctured with the captivating touches of a soft melancholy and an engaging kind of enthusiasm. Only once in his life he had been in love, and that unsuccessfully. He seemed to be the idol of the fair sex, and his heart was always open to the united impressions of tenderness and friendship. To so many amiable qualities he joined the untainted reputation of a man of the keenest wit, the strictest honor, and the most undaunted spirit and gallantry.