1793* on physiognomy^ 65 



outward charms, and rob the fair one of her power, 

 though regularly armed in all the exactnefs of fea- 

 tures and complexion ? We may imagine what we 

 please of a substantial solid part of beauty, l?ut were 

 the subject to be well criticised, we fhould find per- 

 haps, that what we most admired, even in the turn 

 of outward featares, was only a mysterious exprefsi- 

 on, and a kind of fhadow of something inward ia 

 the temper : and that when we were struck with a 

 majestic air, a sprightly look, an Amazon bold grace, 

 or a contrary soft and gentle one, it was chiefly the 

 fancy of these characters or qualities which wrought 

 on us : Our imagination being busied in forming 

 beauteous fhapes and images of this rational kind, 

 which entertained the mind and held it in admira- 

 tion, whilst other pafsions of a lower species were 

 employed another way. 



If the charm of beauty consisted only in the or- 

 der, regularity, and symmetry of features, then would 

 they who pofsefsed these qualities in the highest de- 

 gree be most succefsful in making conquests : but 

 experience fliews us that this is_not always the case. 

 Many faces formed according to the justest propor- 

 tion, are beheld with indifference, if unexprefsive of 

 that chearfulnefs and good humour, that benevolence 

 and s^weetnefs of disposition, which are admired and 

 loved by all. Whilst other faces formed with lefs 

 ' minute exactnefs win the affections of every specta- 

 tor, because they present a strong picture of sim- 

 plicity and candour, unafftcted modesty and benevo- 

 lence. This is elegantly exprefsed by Dr Young in 

 the lines selected as a motto to this efsay. 

 VOL. xvi. I J 



