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The mirror of the graces; or, the English lady's costume: combining and harmonizing taste and judgment, elegance and grace, modesty, simplicity and economy, with fashion in dress; and adapting the various articles of female embellishments to different ages, forms, and complexions; to the seasons of the year, rank, and situation in life: with useful advice on female accomplishments, politeness, and manners; the cultivation of the mind and the disposition and carriage of the body: offering also the most efficacious means of preserving beauty, health, and loveliness. The whole according with the general principles of nature and rules of propriety
(1811)
On deportment, pp. 138-153
Page 138
MIRROR OF THE GRACES.
ON DEPORTMENT,
HAVING discoursed so largely on form and
apparel, I shall now throw together a few
hints on that indispensable assistant-grace of
beauty, an elegant and appropriate air.
This subject should be particularly cons,.
dered ; and the arguments from such reflec-
tions strongly enforced on the attention of
young women. There is scarcely an observer
of manners and their effects who will not
maintain that the most beautiful and well.
dressed woman will soon cease to please unles
her charms are accompanied with the ineffable
enchantment of a graceful demeanour. A
pretty face may be seen every day, but grce
and elegance, being generally the offspring of
a polished mind, are more rare; and are con-
sequently more distinguished.
While we exult in the preeminent beauty
'of our fair countrywomen; while we talk of
their lilies and roses, and downy skins; we
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