That same Mr. Pope, who was an arch slanderer of the sex, impudently says, that most women have no characters at all. Here we are introduced to a lady who appears to have combined almost every character in one. A Philosopher, and at the same time obedient to the first impulse of the passions. A writer on the subject of education, and yet violating in her own person the ties of moral obligation, as established in society. An advocate for the best principles that can direct the human heart, and a slave to the worst. Some of the sages of old held that the body of woman was formed by the good, and her mind by the evil Principle. Such heretical doctrines will find no advocates here, although the chapter and character before us may bring them to remembrance. CHAP. LIII. P. 357. The reader will here be reminded of the story of Narcissus, so prettily told by Ovid in the third book of his Metamorphoses, and more particularly of his soliloquy on contemplating his own image in the fountain. The lady whose portrait is given in the chapter which precedes, and she who is here first introduced, may be supposed to address to one another the following words of Narcissus, having been as it were, μια ψυχη. Cum risi arrides, lacrymas quoque sæpe notavi Me lacrymante tuas, nurtu quoque signa remittes— In te ego sum, sensi— Nunc duo concordes anima moriemur in una. Nay, it is not quite impossible, but as it is an observation of one of the old commentators upon Plato, that “Furicus Triplex indissolubilis est,” but that the third lady also may exult at being considered as one of the honourable fraternity. Hoc est quod dicitur illud Fraternum vere dulce sodalitium. CHAP. LIV. P. 368. CHAP. LV. P. 376. CHAP. LVI. P. 378. These three chapters contain ample matter for a modern novel, at least of three volumes. It would be easy to introduce a few episodes of great, and proud, and unfeeling relations, of prospects blighted, hopes disappointed, ambition marred, and so forth, and many a circulating library would be made to rejoice. The only objection seems to be, that what is here related, is true. There actually was a female so various, so eccentric, and yet so lovely. A doughty candidate for a generalship as fantastical, as conceited, and as amorous; a poet, so characterized by ingenious frenzy; relations as proud, as stupid and as unfeeling, with under Dramatis Personæ of corresponding peculiarities. CHAP. LVII. P. 385.