I observed that it was not mechanical, because a whole was produced-
a model of that grand simplicity, of those concurring energies,
which arrest our attention and command our reverence. For only insipid
lifeless beauty is produced by a servile copy of even beautiful
nature. Yet, independent of these observations, I believe that the
human form must have been far more beautiful than it is at present,
because extreme indolence, barbarous ligatures, and many causes, which
forcibly act on it, in our luxurious state of society, did not
retard its expansion, or render it deformed. Exercise and
cleanliness appear to be not only the surest means of preserving
health, but of promoting beauty, the physical causes only
considered; yet, this is not sufficient, moral ones must concur, or
beauty will be merely of that rustic kind which blooms on the
innocent, wholesome, countenances of some country people, whose
minds have not been exercised. To render the person perfect,
physical and moral beauty ought to be attained at the same time;
each lending and receiving force by the combination. Judgment must
reside on the brow, affection and fancy beam in the eye, and
humanity curve the cheek, or vain is the sparkling of the finest eye
or the elegantly turned finish of the fairest features: whilst in
every motion that displays the active limbs and well-knit joints,
grace and modesty should appear. But this fair assemblage is not to be
brought together by chance; it is the reward of exertions calculated
to support each other; for judgment can only be acquired by
reflection, affection by the discharge of duties, and humanity by
the exercise of compassion to every living creature.
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