She then repeated several anecdotes of the heroism, rectitude, and virtue of her ancestors of both sexes, adding, “this was once the business of our Bards, Fileas, and Seanachps; but we are now obliged to have recourse to our own memories, in order to support our own dignity. But do not suppose I am so weak as to be dazzled by a _sound_, or to consider mere title in any other light than as a golden toy judiciously worn to secure the respect of the vulgar, who are incapable of appreciating that ‘which surpassed show,’ * which, as my father says, is sometimes given to him who saves, and sometimes bestowed on him who betrays his country. O! no; for I would rather possess _one_ beam of that genius which elevates _your_ mind above all worldly distinction, and those principles of integrity which breathe in your sentiments and ennoble your soul, than----” * “He feels no ennobling principles in his own heart, who wishes to level all the artificial institutes which have been adopted for giving body to opinion, and per manence to future esteem.”--Burke. Thus hurried away by the usual impetuosity of her feelings, she abruptly stopped, fearful, perhaps, that she had gone too far. And then, after a moment added--“but who will dare to bring the soul’s nobility in competition with the shortlived elevation which man bestows on man!” This was the first direct compliment she ever paid me; and I received it with a silent bow, a throbbing heart, and a colouring cheek. Is she not an extraordinary creature! I meant to have given you an unfavourable opinion of her prejudices; and in transcribing my documents of accusation, I have actually confirmed myself in a better opinion of her heart and understanding than I ever before indulged in. For to think well of _her_, is a positive indulgence to my philanthropy, after having thought so ill of all her sex.