This Fable, however extravagant and unnatural in its composition, is
intended to depicture and check the blind instinctive ardour of the
passion of love, the transports of which cover all imperfections, so
that its devotees consider neither quality nor merit. It is like an
idol of our own creating, which we fashion into whatever figure or
shape we please, and then run mad for it. The Fable also shews that
“No charm can raise from dirt a grov’ling mind;”
And that people of a low turn of spirit and mean education, cannot
change their principles by changing their situation: for in the midst
of splendour and magnificence, they still retain the same narrow
sentiments, and seldom fail to betray, by some dirty action, their
original baseness, which no embroidery can conceal; and though fortune
has been pleased to lift them out of the mire, we still see the silly
awkward blockheads displaying their lack of mind and education through
all their ensigns of dignity. If any thing more need be added, it can
only be with a view of more plainly putting inexperienced youth on
their guard against making inconsiderate connections, lest they take a
Cat into their bosom, instead of an amiable consort and companion for
life.
[Illustration] [Page 363]