Wise men are chiefly captivated with the beauty of the mind, rather
than that of the person; and whenever they are infatuated with a
passion for any thing else, it is generally observed that they cease,
during that time at least, to be what they were, and indeed are
only considered to be playing the fool. It too often happens that
women of remarkable beauty are so fully satisfied with their outward
excellencies, that they totally neglect the improvement of their
minds; not considering that it is only a combination of mental and
personal charms that can entitle them to be ranked as Nature’s greatest
ornaments. Unmindful of this, however, they are too apt to consider
beauty as the only thing requisite in their sex; and since they are
endowed with it in such an eminent degree, they look down with disdain
on females less happy in personal charms. Beauty has undoubtedly great
influence over the hearts of mankind, but when it is overrun with
affectation and conceit, their admiration will soon be turned into
disgust; while women of more ordinary persons, but blessed with good
sense and good humour, will captivate the hearts of worthy men, and
more effectually secure their constancy.
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