Portraits Illustrating Character 253 



whole. In the meanwhile we purpose from time to time to 

 offer a few fragments and invite our readers to pursue the 

 enquiry for themselves and to give us their assistance. A few 

 hints may perhaps be of service to those who would follow out 

 our suggestions. 



We ought not to treat individuals as if they were in any 

 degree self-existent or isolated. 



Remember that everyone belongs to a family and take into 

 some account his relatives as well as himself. 



Remember that parentage is always double, and always 

 take into account both parents. 



At the same time, let it be understood that in some cases the 

 inheritance of character may seem to have been almost 

 exclusively from one parent. 



Under what is called the law of Atavism the inheritance 

 may appear to be more definite from a grandparent than 

 from either parent. 



In dealing with historical characters as with modern 

 families always trace the descent back as far as is practicable. 



There is a strong family likeness between Mary I. of 

 England and her aunt Joanna, " the mad" Queen of Castile 

 (see Rose's portrait). 



The Mother of the excellent St. Louis was a woman of 

 spirit and of a kind heart, whilst his father was feeble, 

 both in body and mind. " He was neither to be noted for 

 vices nor commended for virtues ; and his greatest fame 

 consisted in that he was the son of an excellent father, and 

 the father of an excellent son." It is not, however, quite 

 reasonable to speak so very highly of St. Louis' grandfather 

 (Philip Augustus). 



Charles VIII., a prince beloved by all (but very imprudent), 

 was the son of Louis XL, a man feared by all and hated by 

 most. His mother was Charlotte of Savoy, " a virtuous and 

 loving wife," according to her wicked husband's admission, 

 and probably an excellent woman. The Lady of Beaujeu 



