"You must have been a desperate fellow in your time, Crony," said I, "among the belles of this class, or you could never have become so familiar with their history." "It is the fashion," replied the veteran, "to understand these matters; among the _bons vivants_ of the present day a fellow would be suspected of _chastity_, or regarded as _uncivilized_, who could not run through the history of the reigning beauties of the times, descanting upon their various charms with poetical fervor, or illuminating, as he proceeds, with some choice anecdotes of the _Paphian divinities_, their protectors and propensities; and to do the fair _Citherians_ justice, they are not much behindhand with us in that respect, for the whole conversation of the sisterhood turns upon the figure, fortune, genius, or generosity of the admiring beaux. To a young and ardent mind, just emerging from scholastic discipline, with feelings uncontaminated by ~16~~fashionable levities, and a purse equal to all pleasurable purposes, a correct knowledge of the mysteries of the _Citherian principles of astronomy_ may be of the most essential consequence, not less in protecting his _morals and health_ than in the preservation of life and fortune. One half the duels, suicides, and _fashionable bankruptcies_ spring from this polluted source. The stars of this order rise and fall in estimation, become fixed planets or meteors of the most enchanting brilliancy, in proportion not to the grace of modesty, or the fascination of personal beauty, but to the notoriety and number of their amours, and the peerless dignity of their plurality of lovers. "Place the goddess of Love on the pedestal of Chastity, in the sacred recesses of the grove of Health, veiled by virgin Innocence, and robed in celestial Purity, and who among the _cameleon_ race of fashionable _roues_ would incur the charge of _Vandalism_, or turn aside to pay devotion at her shrine? but let the salacious deity of Impurity mount the car of Profligacy, and drive forth in all the glare of crimson and gold, and a thousand devotees are ready to sacrifice their honour upon her profligate altars, or chain themselves to her chariot wheels as willing slaves to worship and adore." "Let us take another turn up the drive," said I, "for I am willing to confess myself much interested in this _new system of astronomy_, and perhaps we may discover a few more of the _terrestrial planets_, and observe the _stars_ that move around their frail orbits." "I must first make you acquainted with the signs of the _Paphian zodiac_," said Crony; "for every one of these attractions have their peculiar and appropriate fashionable appellations. I have already introduced you to the _Bang Bantum_, Mrs Bertram; the _London Leda_, Moll Raffles; the _Spanish Nun_, St. Margurite; the _Sparrow Hawk_, Augusta C****e{1}; the _Golden_ 1 See vol. i.