Page:Works of Heinrich Heine 01.djvu/411

Rh qualities which Shakespeare has given to many of his female characters ; but with the dignity, the sweetness, and tenderness which especially characterise her sex, she possesses quite peculiar or special endowments great intellectual power, inspired mind, decided firmness, and a sprightliness which plays over all. These are inborn, but she has still other remarkable external gifts, which result from her position and relations. Thus she is heiress to a princely name and incalculable wealth; she is always surrounded by a host of gay pleasures ; from infancy she has breathed an atmosphere spiced with perfume and the fragrance of flattery. Hence a commanding but charming manner, an aristocratic elevated tenderness, a spirit of magnificence in all which she does and says, as of one familiar from birth with splendour. She wanders ever as if in marble palaces, under gold- embroidered canopies ; on floors of cedar and mosaics of jasper and porphyry ; in gardens with statues, flowers, and fountains, and spiritual whispering music. She is full of penetrating wisdom, truest tenderness, and lively wit. And never having known poverty, grief, fear, or adversity, her wisdom has no trace of gloom or sadness ; all her actions are inspired with faith, hope, and joy, and her wit is not in the least malicious or biting."