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which women may fall in reference to accomplishment. Some of them seem to imagine that a proficiency in the fine arts compensates for the want of all other attraction; and as this is their only charm, they are restless until it is displayed, and dissatisfied unless it excites admiration. Their happiness, or, at least, their affability, seems to depend on the success of their bravura, or the admiration excited by their tinting. Yet a mere display of skill contributes little to the agreeableness of society. However fond we may be of music or drawing, we should scarcely select a companion from her proficiency in playing a concerto, or her skill in laying on colours.

Besides, women who are eager to exhibit, are often careless of pleasing in a domestic circle: their talent must be kept as a gem for special occasions; and, when these are wanting, it is almost as useless. It is to attract notice; and when the great end of notice is attained, it may be laid aside. It is to captivate; and when the prize is secured, the fascination ceases.

But it is not to add another toil to the meshes of intrigue, or to furnish coquetry with another

means of allurement, that the talent of women is to be cultivated. Accomplishment is, indeed, a graceful and appropriate ornament; but it should be worn with ease, and should be rather the indication of an elegant mind than an extrinsic decoration. It should render a woman more agreeable both at home and in society; and should furnish her with one of those innocent and graceful refreshments which vary and relieve graver occupation.

It is seldom, indeed, that women are great proficients. The chefs-d'œuvre of the sculptress need the polish of the master chisel; and the female pencil has never yet limned the immortal forms of beauty. The mind of woman is, perhaps, incapable of the originality and strength requisite for the sublime. Even Saint Cecilia exists only in an elegant legend; and the poetry of music, if often felt and expressed, has seldom been conceived by a female adept. But the practical talents of women are far from contemptible; and they may be both the encouragers and the imitators of genius. They should not grasp at too much, or be content with superficial attainment; they should not merely sketch

a few flowers, or hammer out a few tunes, or trifle away their time in inept efforts, which at best claim only indulgence; but they should do well what they do attempt, and do it without affectation or display.

14

CHAP. II.

CAUSES OF FEMALE INFLUENCE.

NOTHING is so likely to conciliate the affections of the other sex, as a feeling that woman looks to them for support and guidance. In proportion as men are themselves superior, they are accessible to this appeal. On the contrary, they never feel interested in one who seems disposed rather to offer than to ask assistance. There is, indeed, something unfeminine in independence. It is contrary to nature, and therefore it offends. We do not like to see a woman affecting tremours; but still less do we like to see her acting the amazon. A really sensible woman feels her dependence. She does what she can; but she is conscious of inferiority, and therefore grateful for support. She knows that she is the weaker partner, and that, as such, she should receive honour in this view, her weakness is an attraction, not a blemish.

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In every thing, therefore, that women attempt, they should show their consciousness of dependence. If they are learners, let them evince a teachable spirit: if they give an opinion, let them do it in an unassuming manner. There is something so unpleasant in female self-sufficiency, that it not unfrequently prejudices, instead of persuading; and prevents the adoption of advice which perhaps the judgment approves. Yet this is a fault into which women of certain pretensions are occasionally betrayed. Age, or experience, or superior endowment, entitles them, they imagine, to assume a higher place, and a more independent tone. But their sex should ever teach them to be subordinate; and they should remember, that, by them, influence is to be obtained, not by assumption, but by a delicate appeal to affection or principle. Women, in this respect, are something like children: the more they show their need of support, the more engaging they are.

The appropriate expression of dependence is gentleness. However endowed with superior talents a woman may be, without gentleness she cannot be agreeable. Gentleness ought to be

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