426 



whilft we remained in the hut. We honored 

 the woman for her conduct, and were de- 

 lighted to witnefs fo ftriking an example of 

 the natural affections, operating in all their 

 genuine purity, unfophifticated by the fordid 

 motives which but too often govern the more 

 cultivated beings of what is termed civilized 

 life. 



Further examples occurred to us evincing 

 the powerful operation of the affections among 

 thefe uncivilized people. One of the women 

 pointed out to our obfervation the grave of 

 her fon ; a youth who had deftroyed himfelf 

 becaufe the mother of- a young buckeen, of 

 whom he was enamoured, could not be pre- 

 vailed upon to let him take her daughter for 

 his wife. Thus the wily Cupid would feem 

 to wield his bow with equ al prowefs amid ft 

 the fimple beings of the foreft, as among the 

 more pampered fwains of crowded fociety. 

 The laws of nature are univerfal, and flie is 

 ever uniform and confiftent. In her paffions 

 fhe knows no diftin&ion between the rude 

 woods and polifhed cities. Courtly refine- 

 ment may counterfeit, clothe, and conceal — 

 but, if fairly expofed, the mo ft accomplished 



