[114] _Metaphysical_ is here used in the sense of spiritual or preternatural. [115] Mrs. Siddons, I believe, had an idea that Lady Macbeth beheld the spectre of Banquo in the supper scene, and that her self-control and presence of mind enabled her to surmount her consciousness of the ghastly presence. This would be superhuman, and I do not see that either the character or the text bear out this supposition. [116] Cumberland. [117] Professor Richardson. [118] Foster's Essays. [119] See Dr. Channing's remarks on Satan, in his essay "On the Character and Writings of Milton."--_Works_, p 181. [120] The vision of Clytemnestra the night before she is murdered, in which she dreams that she has given birth to a dragon, and that, in laying it to her bosom, it draws blood instead of milk, has been greatly admired; but I suppose that those who most admire it would not place it in comparison with Lady Macbeth's sleeping scene. Lady Ashton, in the Bride of Lammermoor, is a domestic Lady Macbeth; but the development being in the narrative, not the dramatic form, it follows hence that we have a masterly portrait, not a complete individual: and the relief of poetry and sympathy being wanting, the detestation she inspires is so unmixed as to be almost intolerable: consequently the character, considered in relation to the other personages of the story, is perfect; but abstractedly, it is imperfect; a basso relievo--not a statue. [121] Attributed to Seneca. [122] A comparison has already been made in an article in the "Reflector." It will be seen on a reference to that very masterly Essay, that I differ from the author in his conception of Lady Macbeth's character. [123] Appollonius Rhodius.--_Vide_ Elton's Specimens of the Classic Poets. THE END. Books by Mrs. Anna Jameson THE CHARACTERISTICS OF WOMEN: MORAL, POETICAL, AND HISTORICAL. THE DIARY OF AN ENNUYEE. MEMOIRS OF THE LOVES OF THE POETS. Biographical Sketches of Women celebrated in Ancient and Modern Poetry. STUDIES, STORIES, AND MEMOIRS. SKETCHES OF ART, LITERATURE, AND CHARACTER. With a Steel Engraving of Raphael's Madonna del San Sisto. MEMOIRS OF THE EARLY ITALIAN PAINTERS (Cimabue to Bassano). LEGENDS OF THE MADONNA as represented in the Fine Arts. SACRED AND LEGENDARY ART. In two volumes. LEGENDS OF THE MONASTIC ORDERS as represented in the Fine Arts. Forming the Second Series of Sacred and Legendary Art. Each volume, 16mo, $1.25; the ten volumes, in box, $12.50; half calf, $25.00; tree calf, $35.00. * * * * * Houghton, Mifflin & Co., _Publishers_, BOSTON AND NEW YORK. End of Project Gutenberg's Characteristics of Women, by Anna Jameson