If this is a prejudice, it is at least one that has sonic foundation in nature : for it cannot be denied that ugli ness is generally accompanied with some qualities not particularly amiable. We do not, however, pretend to affirm that this consequence is the necessary result of the anal-conformation of the countenance or person. It may be easily accounted for on other principles. The ugly person may be chagrined by the unkindness of nature. She may feel indignant to see incense paid to beautiful insipidity ; whilst she, with an inferior face, but with vastly superior qualifications, may be scarcely able to command common politeness. Thus, the neglect with which an ugly woman is too generally treated, may sour her temper, and diminish her benetolence : and after she has been driven by the injustice of the world to put herself in a posture of self-defence, or defiance, she is accused of being naturally peevish, envious, and malignant.
We can see no reason why she should be naturally more deficient in amiable qualities than her fairer rivals ; and were she treated with the same respect, we have no doubt that she would show the same amiableness of dis position. And, certainly, a plain-looking woman, per fectly amiable and unenvious, would present a phenome non of excellence, which, from its rarity, may justly be deemed more dazzling than the most splendid beauty.
But, besides the beauty of external features and form, love is kindled by an indefinite number of qualities which have taken hold on the imagination of the lover, and which he regards as the sure signs of every desira ble excellence. These qualities are extremely various, according to the particular views, habits, and feelings of individuals, into which we do not, at present, mean to enter ; and the only object which we have had in view in this discussion respecting the origin of love is, to show that, in the proper acceptation of the word, it cannot ex ist but with the perception, or supposed existence, of some good mental qualities in the object beloved. The mere animal passion may exist, and be gratified, without this perception or desire of excellence. But rational beings alone are susceptible of love, in the proper ac ceptation of the term ; and mental qualifications, real or supposed, are always essential ingredients in its com position.
In this view, the affection, or the Passion of love, (as it is called, when it becomes so powerful as to en gross the feelings,) is deserving of the attention of the gravest philosopher, as presenting a most powerful sti mulus to action, and inciting to the attainment of 'many qualities which occupy a prominent place in the cha racter of man. It becomes highly interesting to con
sider the moral influence of this powerful universal principle on human manners : and the wisest will be found to confess, that it has infinitely more effect than some more rational considerations in humanizing the mind of man, and in training him to many useful en dowments.
We have endeavoured to show that mental qualifica tions constitute the charm of love. The lover, therefore, will naturally seek to be distinguished by the qualities which he may think most likely to recommend him to his mistress. And as it is evident that women stand in need of protection, (being greatly inferior to men in bo dily strength, and, at certain periods, totally incapable of defending themselves from surrounding dangers, or even of earning subsistence,) the highest recommendation of man in a rude state of society will be personal bravery, or strength. In a more polished state, he will seek to be distinguished by tenderness, generosity, or sympathy ; and in a state of independence and affluence, by those ta lents and attainments which secure an influence in society. Thus, in every state of society, the principle of love has a powerful influence in moulding the manners, and form ing the character of men.
The operation of the feeling on the other sex is quite reciprocal. The female naturally studies the qualitica tions most likely to recommend her to the object of her choice ; and if at any time her pursuits should be trifling or useless, we may rest assured that her choice has originated in the frivolity of the men—for it is their taste, in every instance, which decides the nature and character of female accomplishments. The woman who wishes to please will not think it necessary that her qualifications should exactly resemble those of the man whom she loves. His strength, and courage, and energy, are re quired as compensations for her weakness ; and, there fore, though she should be deficient in these respects, she will not be the less endeared to the man who glories in being called her protector, and who, without any feel ings of selfishness, is glad to be possessed of qualities of which she is destitute, that he may the more decidedly prove the extent of his love.