Constitutional Whig

LOVELINESS.

The following delineation by Lorenzo de Medici of the person and character of his heart's idol, will probably be found to comprehend nearly all the requisites of a charming woman.

"Her beauty was astonishing. She was of a just and proper height, her complexion fair, but not pale; blooming but not ruddy. Her countenance was serious, without being severe: mild and pleasant, without levity or vulgarity. Her eyes were lively, without any indication of pride or conceit. Her whole shape was so finely proportioned, that amongst other women, she appeared with superior dignity, yet free from the least degree of formality or affectation. In walking, in dancing, or in other exercises which display the person, every motion was elegant and appropriate. Her sentiments were always just and striking, and have furnished materials for some of my sonnets; she always spoke at the proper time, and always to the purpose, so that nothing could be added, nothing taken away. Though her remarks were often keen and pointed, yet they were so tempered as not to give offence. Her understanding was superior to her sex, but without the appearance of arrogance or presumption; and she avoided an error too common among women, who, when they think themselves sensible, become for the most part insupportable. To recount all her excellencies would far exceed my present limits, and I shall therefore conclude with affirming, that there was nothing which could be desired in a beautiful and accomplished woman, which was not in her most abundantly found."