40 PROSERPINA. 



nor would she ever have been so despised or by her 

 father, mis understood. Shakspeare himself does not pre- 

 tend to know where her girl-heart was, but I should 

 like to hear how a great actress would say the " Peace be 

 with Burgundy !" 



3. Portia. The maidenly passion now becoming great, 

 and chiefly divine in its humility, is still held absolutely 

 subordinate to duty; no thought of disobedience to her 

 dead father's intention is entertained for an instant, though 

 the temptation is marked as passing, for that instant, be- 

 fore her crystal strength. Instantly, in her own peace, 

 she thinks chiefly of her lover's; she is a perfect Chris- 

 tian wife in a moment, coming to her husband with the 

 gift of perfect Peace, 



" Never shall you lie by Portia's side 

 With an unquiet soul." 



She is highest in intellect of all Shakspeare's women, 

 and this is the root of her modesty ; her i unlettered girl' 

 is like Newton's simile of the child on the sea-shore. 

 Her perfect wit and stern judgment are never disturbed 

 for an instant by her happiness : and the final key to her 

 character is given in her silent and slow return from 

 Venice, where she stops at every wayside shrine to pray. 



4. Hermione. Fortitude and Justice personified, with 

 unwearying affection. She is Penelope, tried by her hus- 

 band's fault as well as error. 



5. Virgilia. Perfect type of wife and mother, but 



