But what are these? A body
without a soul, a combination of soft and harmonious names without a
meaning; a multitude of rich inestimable gifts, heaped together in rude
and inartificial confusion without the powers of enchantment and
attraction. What is it that can animate the mass, that can give force
and value to the whole, and reduce the shapeless chaos into form? It is
simplicity, unaffected simplicity. Without thee, child of nature,
daughter of the plains, beauty were no more. With thee she dwells, and
in thy mansion can she only dwell. Then be the palm reserved for thee,
and given to thee alone, simplicity, unaffected simplicity!"
At these words, two supernatural figures appeared below the canopy of
the throne. They had the form of children; their figures appeared so
soft and waxen, that you would imagine they might be indented by the
smallest touch; upon their countenances sat the lively and unexpressive
smile, the sports, and the graces; and their shoulders were furnished
with wings of the softest plumage, variegated with all the colours of
the bow of heaven. In their hands they bore a coronet, at once rich with
jewels, and light and inconsiderable in its weight. The circle was of
gold, and studded with diamonds.
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