Beside, her reverence for song was radical and deep. It had
been instilled into her from her earliest infancy; from earliest infancy
she had considered poetry as the vehicle of divine and eternal truth.
How strange and tremendous an advantage must he gain over the ear of
simplicity, who can present his fascinations under the garb of all that
is sacred and all that is honourable?
The song had begun with celebrating a theme, that must for ever be
congenial to every female breast. The heart of the shepherdess had
instinctively vibrated to the praises of simplicity. Even the
commendations bestowed upon herself were not improper, or
indiscriminate; they had distinguished between the inanity of personal
charms, and the value of prudence, the beauty of innocence and the merit
of virtue. Even the honours she had received were attributed to these,
and not to the other. Were they not therefore such as virtue would
aspire to, and discretion accept?
Alas, Imogen, be not deceived with airy shadows! The reasoning may be
plausible, but it is no better than sophistry. Thou must be taught, fair
and unsuspecting virgin, under a beautiful outside to apprehend deceit;
and to guard against the thorn which closely environs the flower.
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