32 FABLES. 



both with much tenderness and affection, and told 

 them that he should like to have them look in a 

 glass every day: to the intent that you, says he, 

 addressing himself to the Boy, if you think that 

 face of your's handsome, may not disgrace and 

 spoil it by an ugly temper, and a foul behaviour; 

 and that you, speaking to the Girl, may make up 

 for the defects of your person, if there be any, by 

 the sweetness of your manners, and the agreeable- 

 ness of your conversation. 



APPLICATION. 



WE should every day view ourselves considerately 

 in a looking-glass, with the intent of converting it 

 to a better purpose than that of merely observing 

 and admiring our persons. Let those on whom 

 nature has been liberal of her bounties, in bestow- 

 ing a fine countenance, with symmetry of person, 

 health, and strength, always remember that these 

 are the gifts of Providence, for which we ought ever 

 to be thankful, but never vain : these qualifications 

 ought only to act as a spur to induce us to cultivate 

 the mind, by study, by reading, and reflection, so 

 as to cause it to correspond in its beauties with 

 those of our outward appearance. Let others again 

 who have not any thing in their personal appear- 

 ance to attract the attention of the world, strive 

 also to improve the faculties of the mind, and to 

 excel in the beauties of a good temper, and an 

 agreeable conversation, the charms of which, not- 

 withstanding a rough exterior, cannot fail to endear 

 the possessor to all men of sense, who will readily 

 discover intrinsic worth, whether it be made up of 

 a lively imagination, clear perceptions, or the 

 transparent sincerity of an honest heart. 



