We are fast approaching at length to the limits we had prescribed to ourselves, for the discussion of these sketches of female biography. Not that our catalogue is by any means exhausted—very far otherwise. In the course of a protracted literary life, it appears from our notes, that there were not many females who, by general consent, claimed and were allowed ascendancy and distinction, on account of their talents, to whose society, our Sexagenarian had not access. Indeed, the manuscript from which these Memorials are derived, contain a number of anecdotes, the communication of which would probably afford as much amusement as any which may have preceded. But there is still such abundance of materials before us, that compression seems beginning to be necessary. We shall therefore close this head with a brief description of a Lady, who may rank with the proudest and the highest, in the scale of intellectual endowments; who has also afforded no unavailing assistance in works requiring great and various erudition, sound judgment, and much critical acuteness. Though educated in the principles of Dissenters, she was in the early part of her life engaged to be married to a clergyman, who was preceptor to one of the branches of the Royal Family. He unfortunately died, and she afterwards united herself to a Dignitary of the Church, whose learning, abilities, and virtues, have since deservedly obtained for him a seat upon the Episcopal Bench. She was ever and invariably distinguished for the assiduous cultivation of her mind, her extensive and various knowledge, and indeed for her general love of literature; but she was more particularly remarkable for her fondness of theological studies, in which she became an extraordinary proficient. Indeed it has often been asserted, (nor has the assertion ever been from authority contradicted) that a popular work on Prophecy was very materially indebted, not merely to this Lady’s suggestions and assistance, but that no inconsiderable portion of it was actually written by her pen. That she has composed many other things, there can be no doubt; and that they are alike distinguished by extensive information, judgment, and acuteness, must be equally certain. But this is not her only praise. In the higher and more important offices of private life, she has done honour to an elevated station, and effectually and usefully fulfilled every duty in the circle of female obligation. Principibus placuisse viris non ultima laus est. CHAPTER LXV.