their beauties were obtruded, not offered, to their every country should furnish him with what each admirers; they seemed to give rather than receive liked best. This proposal was instantly relished courtship; and the Genius of Love dismissed them and agreed to. An idol was formed by uniting as unworthy his regard, since they exchanged the the capricious gifts of all the assembly, though no duties of love, and made themselves not the pur-way resembling the departed Genius. The ladies sued, but the pursuing sex. of China furnished the monster with wings; those

"The kingdom of Cashmire next produced its of Cashmire supplied him with horns; the dames charming deputies. This happy region seemed of Europe clapped a purse in his hand; and the peculiarly sequestered by nature for his abode. virgins of Congo furnished him with a tail. Since Shady mountains fenced it on one side from the that time, all the vows addressed to Love are in scorching sun, and sea-born breezes, on the other, reality paid to the idol; but, as in other false regave peculiar luxuriance to the air. Their com-ligions, the adoration seems most fervent where plexions were of a bright yellow, that appeared al- the heart is least sincere." Adieu. most transparent, while the crimson tulip seemed to blossom on their cheeks. Their features and limbs were delicate beyond the statuary's power to express, and their teeth whiter than their own ivory. He was almost persuaded to reside among them, when unfortunately one of the ladies talked of appointing his seraglio.

LETTER CXV.

From the Same.

MANKIND have ever been prone to expatiate in

"In this procession the naked inhabitants of the praise of human nature. The dignity of man Southern America would not be left behind; their is a subject that has always been the favourite charms were found to surpass whatever the warm- theme of humanity: they have declaimed with that est imagination could conceive; and served to show, ostentation which usually accompanies such as are that beauty could be perfect, even with the seem- sure of having a partial audience; they have obing disadvantage of a brown complexion. But tained victories, because there were none to oppose. their savage education rendered them utterly un- Yet, from all I have ever read or seen, men appear qualified to make the proper use of their power, and they were rejected as being incapable of uniting mental with sensual satisfaction. In this manner, the deputies of other kingdoms had their suits rejected: the black beauties of Benin, and the tawny daughters of Borneo; the women of Wida with well-scarred faces, and the hideous virgins of Caffraria; the squab ladies of Lapland, three feet high, and the giant fair ones of Patagonia.

more apt to err by having too high, than by having too despicable, an opinion of their nature; and, by attempting to exalt their original place in creation, depress their real value in society.

The most ignorant nations have always been found to think most highly of themselves. The Deity has ever been thought peculiarly concerned in their glory and preservation; to have fought their battles, and inspired their teachers: their "The beauties of Europe at last appeared; grace wizards are said to be familiar with heaven; and was in their steps, and sensibility sat smiling in every hero has a guard of angels, as well as men, every eye. It was the universal opinion, while to attend him. When the Portuguese first came they were approaching, that they would prevail; among the wretched inhabitants of the coast of and the Genius seemed to lend them his most Africa, these savage nations readily allowed the favourable attention. They opened their preten- strangers more skill in navigation and war; yet sions with the utmost modesty; but unfortunately, still considered them at best but as useful servants, as their orator proceeded, she happened to let fall brought to their coast by their guardian serpent, the words, house in town, settlement, and pin- to supply them with luxuries they could have lived money. These seemingly harmless terms had instantly a surprising effect: the Genius with ungovernable rage burst from amidst the circle; and, waving his youthful pinions, left this earth, and flew back to those ethereal mansions from whence he descended.

without. Though they could grant the Portuguese more riches, they could never allow them to have such a king as their Tottimondelem, who wore a bracelet of shells round his neck, and whose legs were covered with ivory.

In this manner, examine a savage in the history "The whole assembly was struck with amaze- of his country and predecessors, you ever find his ment; they now justly apprehended, that female warriors able to conquer armies, and his sages acpower would be no more, since Love had forsaken quainted with more than possible knowledge. them. They continued some time thus in a state Human nature is to him an unknown country: he of torpid despair, when it was proposed by one of thinks it capable of great things, because he is igthe number, that, since the real Genius had left norant of its boundaries; whatever can be conthem, in order to continue their power, they should ceived to be done, he allows to be possible, and set up an idol in his stead; and that the ladies of whatever is possible, he conjectures must have been

done. He never measures the actions and powers | gree of satirical contempt must they listen to the of others by what himself is able to perform; nor songs of little mortals thus flattering each other! makes a proper estimate of the greatness of his thus to see creatures, wiser indeed than the monfellows, by bringing it to the standard of his own key, and more active than the oyster, claiming to incapacity. He is satisfied to be one of a country themselves the mastery of heaven; minims, the where mighty things have been; and imagines the tenants of an atom, thus arrogating a partnership fancied powers of others reflect a lustre on him- in the creation of universal nature! Sure Heaven self. Thus, by degrees, he loses the idea of his is kind, that launches no thunder at those guilty own insignificance in a confused notion of the ex- heads! but it is kind, and regards their follies with traordinary powers of humanity, and is willing to pity, nor will destroy creatures that it loved into grant extraordinary gifts to every pretender, be- being. cause unacquainted with their claims.

But, whatever success this practice of making This is the reason why demi-gods and heroes demi-gods might have been attended with in barhave ever been erected in times or countries of ig-barous nations, I do not know that any man benorance and barbarity: they addressed a people, came a god in a country where the inhabitants who had high opinions of human nature, because were refined. Such countries generally have too they were ignorant how far it could extend; they close an inspection into human weakness to think addressed a people, who were willing to allow that it invested with celestial power. They sometimes men should be gods, because they were yet imper- indeed admit the gods of strangers, or of their anfectly acquainted with God and with man. These cestors, which had their existence in times of obimpostors knew, that all men are naturally fond of scurity; their weakness being forgotten, while seeing something very great made from the little nothing but their power and their miracles were materials of humanity; that ignorant nations are remembered. The Chinese, for instance, never not more proud of building a tower to reach to hea- had a god of their own country: the idols which ven, or a pyramid to last for ages, than of raising upa the vulgar worship at this day were brought from demi-god of their own country and creation. The the barbarous nations around them. The Roman same pride that erects a colossus or a pyramid, in- emperors who pretended to divinity were generally stals a god or a hero; but though the adoring sav-taught by a poniard that they were mortal; and age can raise his colossus to the clouds, he can ex- Alexander, though he passed among barbarous alt the hero not one inch above the standard of humanity: incapable, therefore, of exalting the idol, he debases himself, and falls prostrate before him.

countries for a real god, could never persuade his polite countrymen into a similitude of thinking. The Lacedemonians shrewdly complied with his commands by the following sarcastic edict:

Ει Αλέξανδρος βουλεται είναι Θεός, Θεος εστω.

LETTER CXVI.

From the Same.

Adieu.

When man has thus acquired an erroneous idea of the dignity of his species, he and the gods become perfectly intimate; men are but angels, angels are but men, nay but servants, that stand in waiting to execute human commands. The Persians, for instance, thus address their prophet Haly: "I salute thee, glorious creator, of whom the sun is but the shadow. Masterpiece of the Lord of human creatures, great star of justice and THERE is something irresistibly pleasing in the religion! The sea is not rich and liberal, but by conversation of a fine woman; even though her the gifts of thy munificent hands. The angel tongue be silent, the eloquence of her eyes teaches treasurer of heaven reaps his harvest in the fertile wisdom. The mind sympathizes with the regugardens of the purity of thy nature. The primum larity of the object in view, and, struck with extermobile would never dart the ball of the sun through nal grace, vibrates into respondent harmony. In the trunk of heaven, were it not to serve the morn- this agreeable disposition, I lately found myself in ing out of the extreme love she has for thee. The company with my friend and his niece. Our conangel Gabriel, messenger of truth, every day kisses versation turned upon love, which she seemed the groundsel of thy gate. Were there a place equally capable of defending and inspiring. We more exalted than the most high throne of God, I were each of different opinions upon this subject: would affirm it to be thy place, O master of the the lady insisted that it was a natural and univerfaithful! Gabriel, with all his art and knowledge, sal passion, and produced the happiness of those is but a mere scholar to thee." Thus, my friend, who cultivated it with proper precaution. My men think proper to treat angels; but if indeed friend denied it to be the work of nature, but althere be such an order of beings, with what a de- lowed it to have a real existence, and affirmed, that

.

Chardin's Travels, p. 402.

it was of infinite service in refining society; while I, to keep up the dispute, affirmed it to be merely a

name, first used by the cunning part of the fair | vals; love is a method of protracting our greatest sex, and admitted by the silly part of ours, there- pleasure; and surely that gamester, who plays the fore no way more natural than taking snuff, or greatest stake to the best advantage, will, at the end chewing opium. of life, rise victorious. This was the opinion of "How is it possible," cried I, "that such a pas-Vanini, who affirmed, that every hour was lost sion can be natural, when our opinions even of which was not spent in love. His accusers were beauty, which inspires it, are entirely the result of unable to comprehend his meaning; and the poor fashion and caprice? The ancients, who pretended advocate for love was burned in flames, alas! no to be connoisseurs in the art, have praised narrow way metaphorical. But whatever advantages the foreheads, red hair, and eyebrows that joined each individual may reap from this passion, society will other above the nose. Such was the charms that certainly be refined and improved by its introduccaptivated Catullus, Ovid, and Anacreon. Ladies tion; all laws calculated to discourage it, tend to would at present be out of humour, if their lovers imbrute the species, and weaken the state. Thougk praised them for such graces; and should an an- it can not plant morals in the human breast, it cultique beauty now revive, her face would certainly tivates them when there; pity, generosity, and be put under the discipline of the tweezer, fore-honour, receive a brighter polish from its assisthead-cloth, and lead comb, before it could be seen ance; and a single amour is sufficient entirely to in public company. brush off the clown.

find themselves stronger than women, they lay a claim to a rigorous superiority: this is natural, and love, which gives up this natural advantage, must certainly be the effect of art,--an art calculated to lengthen out our happier moments, and add new graces to society."

"But the difference between the ancient and "But it is an exotic of the most delicate constimoderns is not so great as between the different tution; it requires the greatest art to introduce it countries of the present world. A lover of Gon-into a state, and the smallest discouragement is sufgora, for instance, sighs for thick lips; a Chinese ficient to repress it again. Let us only consider lover is poetical in praise of thin. In Circassia, a with what ease it was formerly extinguished in straight nose is thought most consistent with beau- Rome, and with what difficulty it was lately rety: cross but a mountain which separates it from vived in Europe: it seemed to sleep for ages, and the Tartars, and there flat noses, tawny skins, and at last fought its way among us through tilts, eyes three inches asunder, are all the fashion. In tournaments, dragons, and all the dreams of chiPersia, and some other countries, a man, when he valry. The rest of the world, China only excepted, marries, chooses to have his bride a maid; in the are, and have ever been utter strangers to its dePhilippine Islands, if a bridegroom happens to per- lights and advantages. In other countries, as men ceive, on the first night, that he is put off with a virgin, the marriage is declared void to all intents and purposes, and the bride sent back with disgrace. In some parts of the East, a woman of beauty, properly fed up for sale, often amounts to one hundred crowns: in the kingdom of Loango, ladies of the very best fashion are sold for a pig; "I entirely acquiesce in your sentiments," says queens, however, sell better, and sometimes amount the lady, "with regard to the advantages of this to a cow. In short, turn even to England, don't passion, but can not avoid giving it a nobler origin I there see the beautiful part of the sex neglected; than you have been pleased to assign. I must and none now marrying or making love, but old think, that those countries, where it is rejected, are men and old women that have saved money? Don't obliged to have recourse to art to stifle so natural a I see beauty from fifteen to twenty-one, rendered production, and those nations, where it is cultivatnull and void to all intents and purposes, and those ed, only make nearer advances to nature. The same six precious years of womanhood put under a stat- efforts that are used in some places to suppress ute of virginity? What! shall I call that rancid pas- pity, and other natural passions, may have been sion love, which passes between an old bachelor of employed to extinguish love. No nation, however fifty-six and a widow lady of forty-nine? Never! unpolished, is remarkable for innocence that is not never! what advantage is society to reap from an famous for passion; it has flourished in the coldest, intercourse where the big belly is oftenest on the as well as in the warmest regions. Even in the man's side? Would any persuade me that such a sultry wilds of Southern America, the lover is not passion was natural, unless the human race were satisfied with possessing his mistress's person withmore fit for love as they approached the decline, out having her mind: and, like silk worms, became breeders just before they expired."

"Whether love be natural or no," replied my friend, gravely, "it contributes to the happiness of every society into which it is introduced. All our pleasures are short, and can only charm at inter

"In all my Enna's beauties bless'd,
Amidst profusion still I pine;
For though she gives me up her breast,
Its panting tenant is not mine."*

*Translation of a South-American Ode.

"But the effects of love are too violent to be the and not on useful members of society. Their riches result of an artificial passion. Nor is it in the and opulence invited the invaders, who, though at power of fashion to force the constitution into those first repulsed, returned again, conquered by persechanges which we every day observe. Several verance, and at last swept the defendants into unhave died of it. Few lovers are unacquainted with distinguished destruction."

How few appear in those streets which but some

pear, now no longer wear their daily mask, nor attempt to hide their lewdness or their misery.

the fate of the two Italian lovers, Da Corsin and Julia Bellamano, who, after a long separation, ex- few hours ago were crowded! and those who appired with pleasure in each other's arms. Such instances are too strong confirmations of the reality of the passion, and serve to show, that suppressing it is but opposing the natural dictates of the heart." Adieu.

LETTER CXVII.

From the Same.

But who are those who make the streets their couch, and find a short repose from wretchedness at the doors of the opulent? These are strangers, wanderers, and orphans, whose circumstances are too humble to expect redress, and whose distresses are too great even for pity. Their wretchedness excites rather horror than pity. Some are without the covering even of rags, and others emaciated with disease: the world has disclaimed them; so

THE clock just struck two, the expiring taper ciety turns its back upon their distress, and has rises and sinks in the socket, the watchman forgets given them up to nakedness and hunger. These the hour in slumber, the laborious and the happy poor shivering females have once seen happier are at rest, and nothing wakes but meditation, days, and been flattered into beauty. They have guilt, revelry, and despair. The drunkard once been prostituted to the gay luxurious villain, and more fills the destroying bowl, the robber walks are now turned out to meet the severity of winter. his midnight round, and the suicide lifts his guilty arm against his own sacred person.

tunities.

Perhaps, now lying at the doors of their betrayers, they sue to wretches whose hearts are insensible, or debauchees who may curse but will not relieve them.

Let me no longer waste the night over the page of antiquity, or the sallies of contemporary genius, but pursue the solitary walk, where Vanity, ever Why, why was I born a man, and yet see the changing, but a few hours past walked before me, sufferings of wretches I can not relieve! Poor where she kept up the pageant, and now, like a houseless creatures! the world will give you refroward child, seems hushed with her own impor-proaches, but will not give you relief. The slightest misfortunes of the great, the most imaginary What a gloom hangs all around! The dying uneasiness of the rich, are aggravated with all the lamp feebly emits a yellow gleam; no sound is heard but of the chiming clock, or the distant watch-dog. All the bustle of human pride is forgotten, an hour like this may well display the emptiness of human vanity.

There will come a time, when this temporary solitude may be made continual, and the city itself, like its inhabitants, fade away, and leave a desert in its room.

What cities, as great as this, have once triumphed in existence, had their victories as great, joy as just, and as unbounded, and, with short-sighted presumption, promised themselves immortality! Posterity can hardly trace the situation of some: the sorrowful traveller wanders over the awful ruins of others; and, as he beholds, he learns wisdom, and feels the transience of every sublunary possession.

power of eloquence, and held up to engage our attention and sympathetic sorrow. The poor weep unheeded, persecuted by every subordinate species of tyranny; and every law which gives others security becomes an enemy to them.

much sensibility? or why was not my fortune adapted to its impulse? Tenderness, without a capacity of relieving, only makes the man who feels it more wretched than the object which sues for assistance. Adieu.

Why was this heart of mine formed with so

LETTER CXVIII.

From Fum Hoam to Lien Chi Altangi, the discontented Wanderer, by the way of Moscow.

"Here," he cries, "stood their citadel, now I HAVE been just sent upon an embassy to Jagrown over with weeds; there their senate-house, pan; my commission is to be dispatched in four but now the haunt of every noxious reptile; tem- days, and you can hardly conceive the pleasure I ples and theatres stood here, now only an undis- shall find upon revisiting my native country. I tinguished heap of ruin. They are fallen, for shall leave with joy this proud, barbarous, inhosluxury and avarice first made them feeble. The pitable region, where every object conspires to direwards of the state were conferred on amusing minish my satisfaction and increase my patriotism.

But though I find the inhabitants savage, yet were placed behind lattices, in such a manner as to the Dutch merchants who are permitted to trade see without being seen. Here all the Europeans hither seem still more detestable. They have were directed to pass in review, and grovel and act raised my dislike to Europe in general; by them I the serpent as before: with this spectacle the whole learn how low avarice can degrade human nature; how many indignities an European will suffer for gain.

I was present at an audience given by the emperor to the Dutch envoy, who had sent several presents to all the courtiers some days previous to his admission; but he was obliged to attend those designed for the emperor himself. From the accounts I had heard of this ceremony, my curiosity prompted me to be a spectator of the whole.

court seemed highly delighted. The strangers were asked a thousand ridiculous questions, as their names, and their ages; they were ordered to write, to stand upright, to sit, to stoop, to compli ment each other, to be drunk, to speak the Japanese language, to talk Dutch, to sing, to eat; in short, they were ordered to do all that could satisfy the curiosity of women.

Imagine, my dear Altangi, a set of grave men thus transformed into buffoons, and acting a part First went the presents, set out on beautiful every whit as honourable as that of those instructed enamelled tables, adorned with flowers, borne on animals which are shown in the streets of Pekin men's shoulders, and followed by Japanese music to the mob on a holiday. Yet the ceremony did and dancers. From so great respect paid to the not end here, for every great lord of the court was gifts themselves, I had fancied the donors must have to be visited in the same manner; and their ladies, received almost divine honours. But about a quar-who took the whim from their husbands, were all ter of an hour after the presents had been carried equally fond of seeing the strangers perform, even in triumph, the envoy and his train were brought the children seeming highly diverted with the forward. They were covered from head to foot dancing Dutchmen. with long black veils, which prevented their seeing, each led by a conductor, chosen from the meanest of the people. In this dishonourable manner, having traversed the city of Jedo, they at length arrived at the palace gate; and, after waiting half an hour, were admitted into the guard-room. Here their eyes were uncovered, and in about an hour the gentleman-usher introduced them into the hall of audience. The emperor was at length shown, sitting in a kind of alcove at the upper end of the room, and the Dutch envoy was conducted towards the throne.

'Alas," cried I to myself, upon returning from such a spectacle, "is this the nation which assumes such dignity at the court of Pekin? Is this the people that appear so proud at home, and in every country where they have the least authority? How does a love of gain transform the gravest of mankind into the most contemptible and ridiculous! I had rather continue poor all my life than become rich at such a rate. Perish those riches which are acquired at the expense of my honour or my humanity! Let me quit," said I, "a country where there are none but such as treat all others like slaves, and more detestable still, in suffering such treatment. I have seen enough of this nation to desire to see more of others. Let me leave a people suspicious to excess, whose morals are corrupted, and equally debased by superstition and vice; where the sciences are left uncultivated, where the great are slaves to the prince, and tyrants to the people; where the women are chaste only when debarred of the power of transgression; where the true disciples of Confucius are not less persecuted Men must be excessively fond of riches, when than those of Christianity: in a word, a country they are earned with such circumstances of abject where men are forbidden to think, and consequentsubmission. Do the Europeans worship Heaven ly labour under the most miserable slavery, that itself with marks of more profound respect? Do of mental servitude." Adieu.

As soon as he had approached within a certain distance, the gentleman-usher cried out with a loud voice, Holanda Capitan; upon these words, the envoy fell flat upon the ground, and crept upon his hands and feet towards the throne. Still approaching, he reared himself upon his knees, and then bowed his forehead to the ground. These ceremonies being over, he was directed to withdraw, still grovelling on his belly, and going backward like a lobster.

they confer those honours on the Supreme of Beings, which they pay to a barbarous king, who gives them a permission to purchase trinkets and porcelain? What a glorious exchange, to forfeit their national honour, and even their title to humanity, for a screen or a snuff-box!

LETTER CXIX.

From Lien Chi Altangi, to Fum Hoam, First President of the Ceremonial Academy at Pekin, in China. If these ceremonies essayed in the first audience appeared mortifying, those which were practised in THE misfortunes of the great, my frier), are held the second were infinitely more so. In the second up to engage our attention, are enlarged upon in audience, the emperor and the ladies of the court tones of declamation, and the world is called upon