Berkeley And Jefferson Intelligencer

The following handsome censure upon a fashion of the day, is from the pen of an old gentleman, who was an admirer of the simplicity which prevailed when our grand-mothers were the reigning toasts:

MR. EDITOR.

I believe it will be difficult to ascertain the cause and account for the corruption of taste, which could give rise to the present fashion amongst our Belles, of wearing the hair over the eyes. Some have been of opinion that this custom was adopted upon economical principles, to serve as a substitute for veils. However this may be, it is certainly a fashion imported from France, whose corrupt manners we are too fond of aping; and it is probable the practice was imitated from the most sluttish and worthless class of females, among whom only it formerly prevailed, and which among decent persons is truly ridiculous. This fashion was never found in any description or representation of beauty in any age of the world; the eye, the eye brow and the forehead, have always been particularly admired and have called forth the genius of the Poet, the Painter and the Statuary. When the eyes are concealed or obscured by this hairy mask, the finest dimples of the cheek have little more effect than those of a fat elbow; and the sweetest lips, with all their enchanting smiles and graces lose all the impression they ought to make. The whole countenance, and an union of features, are necessary to constitute beauty; and as the Sun gives light, action, and splendour to the face of the universe, so the eye renders visible the beauty, lustre, and expression of the human countenance. Unless all correct ideas of elegance and propriety are absolutely eradicated, I have no doubt the female face will be but a short time in eclipse; the person will again assume its once elegant drapery and instead of a rough mop, we shall soon have the flowing tresses and the graceful ringlets:

W.R.