The little artless
tricks of children, it is true, are particularly pleasing and
attractive; yet, when the pretty freshness of youth is worn off, these
artless graces become studied airs, and disgust every person of taste.
In the countenance of girls we only look for vivacity and bashful
modesty; but, the spring-tide of life over, we look for soberer
sense in the face, and for traces of passion, instead of the dimples
of animal spirits; expecting to see individuality of character, the
only fastener of the affections.* We then wish to converse, not to
fondle; to give scope to our imaginations as well as to the sensations
of our hearts.
* The strength of an affection is, generally, in the same proportion
as the character of the species in the object beloved.
At twenty the beauty of both sexes is equal; but the libertinism
of man leads him to make the distinction, and superannuated
coquettes are commonly of the same opinion; for, when they can no
longer inspire love, they pay for the vigour and vivacity of youth.
The French, who admit more of mind into their notions of beauty,
give the preference to women of thirty. I mean to say that they
allow women to be in their most perfect state, when vivacity gives
place to reason, and to that majestic seriousness of character,
which marks maturity;- or, the resting point. In youth, till twenty,
the body shoots out, till thirty the solids are attaining a degree
of density; and the flexible muscles, growing daily more rigid, give
character to the countenance; that is, they trace the operations of
the mind with the iron pen of fate, and tell us not only what powers
are within, but how they have been employed.
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