s V-^- - Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/boardingschoolorOOfostrich Reproduced by DUOPAGE process in the United States of America MICRO PHOTO INC. Cleveland 12, Ohio « # r c r « « « t « < Press of Putnam & Hunt • » ! • • ' ' " o ; «i rt <» YorAr.i^ \\Av^yA\^V\ CvJ-i^j'^Ur) BO^teiOIHO self OOL.; • • t • t « ^ . , - OR, LESSONS or A vasosPTasss to nan pxjpzziSi coNsiSTiNo or Snfocmatton, Kn^tructCon aittr ^i)(ce» OALOVLATED TO IMHROTC TIIK MANRKRt A«D FORM TUX OUARiOTJCR OW YOUNG LADIES. TO WHICB ri ADDJCD, _ A ooxiXiaoTzoxT or ZiSVTaaB,.^ W»ITTBK BY TRX PVPXLl TO THEIR INtTRVO* TRBit, TH£XR rRIXNDl, AND XACU OTHXR. BY A LADY OF MASSACHUSETTS, AUTHOR 0? TBK ' OoqVXTTB.* BOSTON........ J. P. PEA8LEE. MDOCCZZIZ. 1i mmmimmmmmmm '\ V- \i^V'''«i -A , k- (S Ed A IE i^ • rm^f fii I t* DEDIOATION-. 1 % To tho YovNO Ladies or Amkrioa, the fol- lowing nhnoU nro Afruclionatcly inicribcd. Convinn^il oftlitt ninny advantages of a good educa- tion, ond tho iniportanco of improving thoso advanta- I , f>vi ; or of counterbalancing tho want of thorn by ^rxcrting the montnl powon which noturo hot bestowed; ^ hcnsiblc, too, that the foundation of a niefut and hnppy lifo must be laid in youth, ond that much depends on < tho early infusion of virtnoos principles into the docile : inind, the outhor has employed a part of her lebore 'i hours in collecting and arranging ber ideas on the sub- r jcct of female deportment, ilow fur she has succeeded in her design, Um toict j of ft candid publio will pronounot. 206 THE BOARDIJVG SCHOOL5 &c. On llic dclipjhtful margin of the Merrimac, H in one of the most pleasant and beautiful situ- !• I ations, which that fertile and healthful part 6f f- ] America afibrds, lived Mrs. Williams, the vir- A | j tunus relict of a respectable clergyman. -^ f ^ She had two daughters, lovely and gfomis- | -: inp as ever parent could boast. | Mrs. Williams' circumstances were easy. ^| She possessed a little patrimony, to which she | retired, ader her husband's doceaso ; but a | dcsiro of preserving this for her children, and | a wish to promote their advantage and enlarge \i their society, induced her to open a Boarding S School. f As she had an eye, no less to the social pleasure, than to the pecuniary profit of the undertaking, she admitted only seven, at a time, to the privilege of her tuition. These were all young ladies, who had pro-^ yiously received the first rudiments of learn* ing, and been initiated into the polite accom- plishments, which embellish virtue and soAen the cares of human life. They had general!/ wtm 6 • TUB BOAnoiNO lOHOOL. ^ lived ill tho oietropoliai and had acquired the graces of a fanhionablo deportment; but th'^y pDsseBsed diiierent tempers and disposition!^. ' which had been variously, and, in some re- spocts, erroneously managed. To cultivate tho expanding flowers, and to prune tho juvenile eccentricities, which were disseminated among these tender plants; or, to speak without a figure, to extend and pu- rify their ideas, to elevate and rcfino their af- foctions, to govern and direct their passionn, required nn eye, watchful, and u hand, hIuHuI as tlioHO of tho judicious Mrs. Williutns. While her judgment and prudence aided tho useful ncquisltionH of the mind, a sprightly fancy and a cheerful disposition, regulated by experience and discretion, qualified her to en- ter, at once, with becoming dignity and con« descending ease, into all their concernN ; to participate their pleasures; while, with candor und mildness, she reproved their errors, de- tected their follies, and facilitated their amend* mcnt. As the young ladies had finished their school education, before Mrs. Williams received them to her mansion, her instructions were moro especially designed to polish the mental port, to call forth tho dormant virtues, to unito and arrange tho charms of person and mind, to inspire a due sense of decorum and propriety, ancl to instil such principles of piety, morality, benevolence, prudence and economy, as might be useful through life. THB nOARDINO SCHOOL. 7 Their time was, accordingly, disposed in a manner most conducive to the attainment of these objects. Kvcry part of it wos employed to some valuable purpose ; " for idleness,'* Mrs. Williams observed, *' is the rust of the mind." Whatever tended to enlarge, inform, im- prove, or amuse, she supposed worthy their ; attention. ; She particularly endeavored to domesticate thcm^ to turn their thoughts to the beneficial anSTTiccc'ssary qualilicationp of private life ; oAcn inculcating, that •* Nothing lovelier can bo found in woman Than to study household good ;** and laboring to convince them of the utter in-^ significance and uselessness of that part of the sex, who are " Urcd only and completed to the tasto or Inslfuf opprtcncc ; to Bing, to dance, 'J*o drcMy nnd troll the tongue, ond roll tho oyo." Early rising sho recommended, both by precept and example. This, sho said, would not only promote their health, but render them mistresses of many hours, which must other- wise be lost in enervating sloth and inaction. " And should we," continued she, **who have so much cause for exertion, thus sacrifice the best part of our time?" " Falsely luxurious, will not man awake. And, starting from tho bed of aloth, enioy The cool, the fragrant, and the ailent hour» To meditation dua, and taorad aong 1 8 THE BOARDING lOHOOL. ^ And If thore aught in il^p can oharm tha wita 1 To lie In dead obUvion, loilnff half The fleeting momentn of too inort a life 1 ^ Total extinction ofth* enlightened loul ! - Or olio to foveriah vanity alive, WildorM and toMing through diitomperM dreama 1 Who would in luch a gloomy itnto romnin, Longer than nature craves ; when overy muM, And every blooming pleasure wait without, To blesi the wildly devious morning walk V* Another laudable practice of Mrs. Williams, was perfect regularity in the government of her pupils, and in the arrangement of their daily oxcrciMOM. ** Whon,'* niiid »lio, ** wo observe the order of the natural world, and admire the consistency and harmony of every part, we may hence derive a lesson, for the regulation of our conduct, in the sphere as- signed to us." J^urHuant to this plan of operation, tho young ladies arose at ilvu; from wliicli tliev had two hours ut their own disposal, till the bell sum- moned them at seven, to the hall, where, the ceremonies of (ho morning salutation over, they broaUfuMiod together; their repast being , Noartonnd with (ho unrimtrainud ellusions of ; good humor and sociability .j On these occa- siouM, IMrs. Willhuns sunpundod thu authority of the matron, that, by accustoming her pupils to familiarity in her presonce, they might be free from restraint; and, feeling perfectlv easy and unawed, appear in their genuine charac- ters. By this mean she had an opportunity of ubsorVing any indecorum of l^ehavior, or wrong bias ; which she kept in mind, till a 1 THE BOABDIIfO ICHOOL. 9 {proper time to mention, and remonstrate i against it ; a method, the salutary effects of Jwiiich wcro visible in the daily improvement J of her pupils. I The breakfast table removed, each took her » I nccdlc-work, except one, who read some I amusing and instructive^ book, for the benefit ^ I and entertainment of the rest. The subject i was selected by Mrs. Williams, who conferred the reading upon them in rotation. i At twelve o'clock, they were dismissed till 'i one, when dinner again called them to[^CLhcr, which was conducted in the same manner on ^ the morning repast. I Having resumed their occupations, the read- er of the day produced some piece of her own composition, cither in prose, or verso, accord- ing to her inclination, as a specimen of her ^ genius and improvement. This being sub- •^ niittcd to Mrs. Williams' inspection, and the 1 candid perusal and criticism of her compan- 1 ions; and tho subject canvassed with great I freedom of opinion, they withdrew from the I tasks of the day to seek that relaxation and I amusement, which each preferred. No inno- j cent gratification was denied them. The J sprightly dance, tho sentimental song, and I indeed every species of pastime, consistent ■i with the decorum of the sex, was encouraged, I as tending to health, cheerfulness, and ^ac* I rity. I In these pleasing pursuits and enjoyments, I the present class of happy companions had X % ■ to . THK BOARDIKO lOliOOL. ^nearly completed the term allotted them by their jp^ronts, and were soon to leave the Coaoerul ahados in which they delighted, when oing assemblod on the Monday mornin{^ of their last week, their revered Proceptress thus accosted thorn: | " As the period is approaching, my dear ■ pupils, when I must resij^n your uocicty, and quit tlio important charge of instructor and I triond, which I have suntainod with so much | ploaMure, and,^ I truitt, with some dogroo of i iidolity, I sholl sum up the counsels, admoni- tions, and advice, which I have frequently in- \ culcatcd, and endeavor to impress them on . your minds, ns my valedictory address. For ^ this purpose, during this last week of your 1 residence with me, I shall dispense with your usual exercises, and substitute a collection of my own sentiments, enforced by the pathos of the occasion. " Your docility, and cheerful diligence in attending to my instructions ; your modest, afFectionato, and respectful behavior, togith- er with the laudable progress you have made in every branch, which you have pursued, have well rewarded my care, and engaged my ap- probation and love. To mo, therefore, a sep- aration will be painful. To you the period is important. It is a period, which, whilo it re lioves you from the confmcment of scholaHtic rules, introduces you to new scenes of cares, of pleasures, of trials, and of temptations, which will call for the exerciie of every vir- *f if, TliK DOARDIXQ SCHOOL. t\ tuc, and afford opportunity for improving tho ' indowmcnts, both natural and acquirod, which you possess. Think not then, that your enian- cipation from schools, gives you liberty to neg- lect tho advantages which you have received iVom them. Tho obligations under which you arc laid to your parents for tho education they have given you, require a diligent improve- ment of every talent committed to your trust. ** Of needle-work you aro coninlcto mis*- trosHOfl, from tho most delicate and highly fm- islicd, to the most ordinary, though perhopg not W.AH useful, economy of mending and mak- J in^ tho coarser garments of tamily uso. Ma- ] ny, I am aware, suppose this last a species of j learning, which is benouth tho attention of a ] lady: but Clara will tell you how valuable it t baa proved to her; and how valuable it tnaij prove to you. " Nursed in tho lap of aftluenco, and ac- customed to unbounded expense, Clara littlo thought, at your ago, that she should ever de- pend on her needle for tho livelihood and de- cent appearance of a rising family. A discreet and prudent mother early inculcated tho Ion- sons of industry and economy, which sho now practices; and taught her that tho knowledge could bo of no disservice, though sho never had occasion for it. She married with tho t brightest prospoctH. But a sorics of unavoid- able disastorg, such as no human wisdom J could foroioo or prevent, reduced hor to nar- i row circuiniitAnooi^ andj to complete her mift- ^ 13 THS BOARDING ICHOOL. fortune^ she waa left a widow with four tma!i children. Hor parents were in the grave; her . patrimony was gone I In this oxigoiice what | was hor rosourco ? Not fruitless lamentations, | hnd unavailing complaints. She immcdiatch | summoned her resolution; and by the use of | her needle has ever since supported herself J and family with decency, and been highly re- spected for her prudent exertions and exera- r plary industry. Directly the reverse of this I amiable character is that of Jielinda. She ^ was educated in the same way with Clara; the - same schools gave them tuition; and similar prospects awaited their entrance into lilV Ouluinities attended the progress of each; bu' diUbrent as their tempers and dispositions w their conduct under them. The fulling fur- tunes of Clara were awhile suspended by her discretion and frugality; whilp the ruin of Be- linda was hastened by her extravagance, dissi- pation, and idleness. View them, now, in their reduced state! Neatness, cheerfulness, and aciivity preside in the dwelling of Clara; negligence, peevishness, and sloth are legibly stamped on that of Belinda. The ear is pain- ed by her complaints of poverty; the eye is difigustod by her slatternly appearance, and ov tentatious display of the tattered remnants oi finery, which bespeak the pride and indolence of their owner; who will neither convert ther> into more comfoitable garments, nor, by r«> pairing, render them becoming. '* I hope, however, that occasions like these miMmmtmuitiUm TUB DOARDINO MCI1CM>L. 13 mny novor call for your oxcrtiona. But thcro may bo cnacs, whon, to know the vno of your needles will answer important purposes, even I in an exalted station, and amidst tho splendor ] of alllucnce and plenty. I '* Matilda dignified a princely fortune by I tho cxcTciHo of every virtue which can adorn . a lady. Amon^ thoHO, charity shono con^pic- 110U.4. llor maid said to her, one day, Mad- am, would you have mo lay aside those cast- clothes for some poor person? Yes, replied Mntiida; but sit down, and mend them iirst. DonH you see they need it ? Why, Madam, ' rejoined tho girl, is it not enough fur you to ^ivo them away? I should tlnnk tho least they can do is to mend them for themselves! j In that case, said Matilda, my bounty would I 1)0 greatly diminished. People, who need i charity have not the necessary materials for ' putting such articles into repair; and should I lurnish them, perhaps they have never been taught to use their noodles. No more have 1, returned tho maid. Have you not ? said Matilda. Well then, sit down, and I will di- rect your ingenuity upon those clothes. By this mean you may learn a very useful lessoni I assure you; a lesson, which by practising for yourself, will enable you to lay up part of your wages against the timo when sickness or old ago shall tako you from your labors. ^^ Such examples of condescension and bo- novolenco to inferiors, aro of moro real and lasting uso than pounds prodigally bestowed. ^ 2 14 THB BOARDrNO BOHOOI.. ^< Do you neek hijuher tontimoniot or iht honor and utility of this employment } Yoq may collect many fromtho histories which you ^ have read during the las^t year. Among 'the liomansy and several other nations of antiqui- ty, a scarf, wrought by the noodle of a favor- ito fair, was received as an honorable token of respect, and improved as an invincible stimu- lus to heroic deeds. Ladies of the first rank and station considered it as no derogation fror the dignity or delicacy of their character, to make their own apparel, and that of their fomi- lics. The virtuous Panthoa, when her hus- band was going to fight in the cause of Cyru8, her generous deliverer, mngnificcntly adorned his person, and decorated his armor with her own needle-work. ** We ought never to bo idle. No moment should be unoccupied. Some employment, , salutary, either to body or mind, or both, nhoulci be constantly pursued; and the needle is al- ways at hand to sunply the want of other avo- cations. The lislless vacuity, which some young ladies indulge, renders them extremely unhappy, though tlvey are insensible of the cause and seek to beguilo the time in frivo- louM amuHomcnts. ** A still more endearing motive remains io l>o suggoMted; and thnt is the pleasure, which your accomplishments in this ornamental aru' useful art n)ust nllord your parents; and th< pain, which your neglect of it herea(\er mv occasion them. THE llOAHDINO SCIIOUL. 15 ^* But your faithful and assiduous iniprovo- I tiicnt of timo, since you Imvo been with mo, is I u ffuro pledge of your porsovcranco in tho path I of duty, and your progress in every virtue. ; I trust, thorcfore, that what I havo said will \ l)c cnrrrnvcd on vour memories; and that somo 1 useful idco.i will be selected by each of you 1 fur your future advantage. ^ ** Your minds aro a good soil; and may I not flatter mysc1f| that tho seeds of instruction which 1 have sown, * will spring up, and yield fruit abundantly?'" With one voice, they most aflToctionatolpr assured Mrs. Williams, that it should bo their doily study to profit by her lessons; and with- drew. Monday^ P. Jtf. HEADING. Being assembled, this adernoon, Mrs. Wil- liams thus resumed her discourse. *^ Reading is so common a part of education, that the value of it is not duly estimated; nor tho manner of performing it, suilicicntly at- tended to. It is not the mere propriety of pro- nunciation, accent, and cadence, which con- stitutes good reading. You must enter into ^ ^ f 19 THB BOAAPIlfO tCUOOL. ^ tho Spirit of tho subjecti and fcol intorosted io I tfio matteri boforo you can profit by tho oxor- j cise. ^^ But you are ao well acquainted with the manner of reading, that the quality of books most worthy of vour perusal is tho only point on which I neea to enlarge. ^^ Romances, the taste of former times, arc now 80 far out of vogue, that it is hardly ne- ' cossary to warn you against them. They ex- hibit tho spirit of chivalry, knight-errantry, and extravagant folly, which iprcvailud in the ago they depict. But they are not interest- ! ing; nor can they bo pleasing to the correct taste and refined delicacy of tho present day. '^ Novels, are tho favorite and the most dan- gcrous kind of reading, now adopted by tho generality of young ladies. I say dangerous, because the influence, which, with very few exceptions, they must have upon the passions of youth, boars an unfavorable aspect on their . purity and virtue. Tho stylo in which thiy I aro written is commonly captivating; nnd tho -^luxuriance of tho descriptions with which they abound, extremely agreeable to the sprightly fancy ,^ and Jiiigh expectations i^f tho inexperi-* enccd and unreflecting. Their romantic pic- tures of lovo, beauty, and magnificence, fill the imagination with ideas which lead to im- pure desires, a vanity of exterior charms, and a fondness for show and dissipation, by no means consistent with that simplicity, modesty, nnd chastity, which should bo tho constant in- -4^. 1 ] THE UOAIlDIiNO SCHOOL. 17 I mates of tho fcmnlo breast. .Thov often por- i vert tho judgment, iniHlcad tho QtfoctionB, and j blind tho undorstandin^T. ] *^ A melancholy example of this sort is ex- hibited in Juliana. Juliana was tho only i daiif^hter of a wealthy merchant, who grudged : no cxpcnHO wluch could nlcuHO or embellish J his darling child, lie, however, powonHod ^"^J neither leinuro nor tibililion < to tench tho young i idea huw to nhoot ;' but thought it Huilicient | that ho gave her every advantage, which j; could bo derived from tho various Hchooln, to j; which Hho wns consigned. Sho had a hril- i liant fancy, und n fondness for hooka, which, | properly directed, might have proved of ^reat | nso to her. But, having no better principles ? in<)tillod into her mind, she indulged herself in | tho unlimited reoding of novels, and every | ligiit publication which a circulating library | ^ could furnish. f *' Ilonco her imogination took wing, and f cnrriod her far above tho scones of common i lifo. The excessive refinement of her mind admitted no ordinary amusements or avoca- tions. Plain truth from her own sex was nn insult; and from tho other, nothing less than adoration would satisfy her unbounded vanity, llcr beauty (of which she really had a consi- derable shared and tho large fortune which sho would probably inherit, gained her many ad- mirers; somo of whom were men of. unquer- tionablo merit. But a sober, rational court-^ ship could not answer hr r ideas of lovo and 2* 18 THB BOARDINO SCHOOL. callantry. The swain, who would not die for hori she deemed unworthy of notice. ^' Her father strongly recommended a gen- tleman, as well calculated, in his opinion, to make her happy, ond as having his entire ap- / probation; but she rejected him with dindain, / though she could produce no one objection \ against his nerson, or character. <<]Ier father acquiesced; expressing, how- ever, his regret ot the mistaken notions she had imbibed; and warning her most patheti- cally against the indulgence c^so romantic a disposition; yet all in vain. Ilo was consi- I dered as an iiliterato plodder after wealth, 1' which she had a right to bestow as she plcnscdt] " At lust the lovely youth whom she had so long contcmpluted, made his appearance. A military captain entered the town on the re- cruiting Bcrvice. Young, Imndrtome, easy, bold and assuming; with all the hon ton oi^iUo coxcomb, and uU the insolence of the novice, lie saw Juliana; he sacrificed to her charms, and conquered. She could not resittt the al- lurements of his gallantry. II is aHcctation of dying love was received with apparent plea- sure; while art and duplicity took advantage of her weakness, to precipitate her into en* igagements to pity and relievo him. Her friends saw her dangorj and warmly remon- strated against her imprudent conduct, in re- ceiving the addresses of u man, do»titute of property to sdnport her, and void of every kind of personal merit, ller father entreated THB BOARDING SCHOOL. 19 and implored tho rejection of her lover, till, I fimlinc every other method vain, ho at length ro- ^ solutcTy forbade him tho house, and his daugh- ter's company. This was viewed as persecu- tion; and, consistently with her sentiments of adventurous love, a clandestino amour waa commenced. Her father surprised them to- gether; and, enraged at their disgraceful in- trigue, seized the captain, and endeavored to turn him out of doors. lie violently resented thii4 ungontlemanliko treatment, as he termed it, and defended himself with his sword. Tho old gentleman received a slight wound in tho Hcuiilo; but accomplished his purpose. Ju- liana was terrified at this rencounter, and, dreading her futher^s dinploasuro, ran o\tt with her paramour. His lodgings wore near, ond tiiilhor, favored by tho darkness of tho night, ho instantly led her. She involuntarily ibU lowcd him, without considering the impropriety of hur conduct. ] lero ho drew his sword, and, throwing himself at her feet, professed his doHpair, and declared himself resolved to put an immediate end to his life. She endeavored to reason him into cahnness; but in vain. IIo was sensible, that, if ho now relinquished hor to hor father, ko should lose hor forever. Ilis apparent ngony overcame hory and she gavo him her hand. ^* Her father was olmost distracted at hor elopement. Ho traced hor steps, and, follow- ing her to tho houso, condescended to sootho hor with parontAl kiuduoss; und promisod hor so TUB BOAIIDINO ICIIOOL. pardon and continued afToction, if aho would renounce her worthless lovor^ and return She confessed it was too late; that she was his wife. ^^ Petrified with astonishment, he looked nt her, for some time, with speechless grief; and« showing his arm, bound up with the wound he had received, led her with oyory token o> anguish and indignation! ^^ When the fever of passion had abated, a returning sense of duty m Julian^, and, in the captain, the fear of losing the property which he sought, induced them to seek a reconcili- ation, and make submissive efforts to obtain it. l)ut hor father was too highly incensed to grant it to him, on any terms; or to her, or any other than the utter rejection of her un worthy companion. These terms wore not complied with. " Sorrow and vexation preyed so deeply upon the mind of this aillictod parent, fliat \ they brought on a rapid decline; and he died I withoiit again Hocing his undutiful and ruined I daughter. His estate was divided between Juliana and her four brothers. ]Ier portion was received by her husband, and soon spent in dissipation and excess. Having rioted on the fortune of his wife, while she oilen pined at home for want of the common necessaries / of lifo, ho leti her, to join his regiment, pro- mising remittances from time to time, for her support. This promise, however, was but ill performed; and she now feels the dreadful ef- TUB DOABDINO BCHOOL. 21 fccts of her folly, in tho accumulated ills of poverty nnd neglect. Yet she still cherishes the most passionate fondness for what has proved her bane, A friend called to see her, not long since, and found her tho emblem of wrctcliedness and sloth. Her emaciated form, her 8(iualid appearance, tlic disorder of her , Iioiiso, and her tattered raiment, bespoke tho sliurncful negligence of tho owner. Yet sho was sitting with n novel in her hand, over wliich sho had apparently been weeping. I She expatiated largely on the tale it containod,vvhilo her children, who exhibited a picture of real woe, engaged not her attention. Her friend enquired how sho could bo thus interested and distressed by mere fiction, while every thing about her was calculated to arouse tho keenest feelings of her soul I Sho coolly ro-/ plied, I have fortitude sufficient to support my own calamity, but I must sympathize with tho heroine of adversity. I have not Lst my sensibility with my fortune. My only luxury is now imagination ! How ill-timed, and how improperly exerted, was this kind of sensibili- ty, in Juliana! Where, and what was her sensibility, when sho disobeyed an indulgent parent, sacrificed her reputation, and threw herself into the arms of a worthless man for protection — from what? from tho kindness and love of her best friends! * '^ But I would not be understood to con- demn all novels indiscriminately; though grout prudence is necessary to make a useful aeloc- 32 THE BOAROINO lOllOOL. tion. Some of them are fraught with senti- ' ment; convey lessons for moral improvement; and exhibit striking pictures of virtue reward- ed; and of vice, folly , and indiscretion pun- ished; which may prove encouragements to imitate, or warnings to avo*d similar practi- ^ cos. I shall not descend to particulars. Thqso, ; which are sanctioned by the general voice] of I delicacy and refinement, may bo allowed a reading; yet none should engross your mind:?, to the neglect of more important objects; nor be sutfered to monopolize too largo a portion of your time. *< Novels are a kind of light reading, on which the ima^nntion feasts, while the more substantial foodwhlch is ronuisito to the nour- ishment of the understanding, is either un- y tasted or undigested. Imagination is a spor- // tivo faculty, which should be curbed by the \^ reins of prudence and judgment. Its sallies are delightful in youth, provided they be not too excursive. " Poetry is, by some, ranked with novels; but I think injudiciously. Good poetry i^ certainly a sublime source of entertainment and instruction. >Vhat puisic is to the ear, poetry is to the heart. There must, indeed, DO a natural taste for it, before it can be high- ly relished or enjoyed; and this tustg. whoro- ever it exists, should be cultivated. \ I know of no kind of reading moFo rTclily formed for the mental repast oi a liberal and polished young Tadyi than the poetical productions of i " ""■ ' " ' — ■■'■'■■ " ■ ■" ■■ II tt m m, TflE BOAIIDING SCHOOL. 23 true f^onius. The trilling and indolicatc can- tos of ordinary witlings, and every day poo- j tasters, aro unworthy your attention. But the { species of poetry which I now recommend, is I peculiarly adapted toLsoflen the passions, ox- I cite sympathy, and meliorate the aftections.j i It soothes tho jarring cares of life, and, per- I vadiiig tho secret recesses of tho soul, serves \ to rouse and animate its dormant powers. J ** Many essays, written hy monitors of both I sexes, are extant, which you may find profita- \ bio and pleasing, both in youth and more ud- * vnnccd ago. Among tho foremost of these, - I mention Mrs. Chapono's letters to her niece, ; which contaiiTa valuable treasure of informa- tion and advice. v ** But among your hours devoted to read- ing, history must not be without a placo. Hero an cis^tenaive field of ages and genera- tions, which have gone before you, is opened to your view. Here your curiosity may bo gratified by a retrospection of events, which, 1 by conducting your thoughts to remotest ciiincs and periods, interests and enlarges tho mind. J I ere the various revolutions, tho riso, fall, and dismemberment of ancient king- doms and states may bo traced to the dif- ferent springs of action, in which they origi- nntod. Hence you may gain a competent acquaintance with human nature in all itsmo- diiications, from tho most rude and barbarous, to tho most civilized and polished stages of society. This U a species of knowlodgOy 24 TRB BOAttDIMO tOHOOL. which will not only bo of constant use to you, [ / in tho government of your own temper and ; \ mannorsybut higlily ornuunental in your inter- f course with thfTpoTitQ and learned world, \ *^ Aut lot your reading of every description ' bo regular and methodical. Never confuse your minds by a variety of subjects at once. When you turn your attention to any ono io particular, iiniish, and lay that aside, before ' you take up another. Let what you read be I well understood at the time, and well digested ' aflorwarda. Possess yourselves, at least, of the leading traits: otherwise your labor will bo totally lost. If convenient, always recapitu- late what you have been perusing, and annex to it your own sentiments and remarks, to some friend. If you have no friend at Iiand, who will bo disposed to henr, recollect, atid run it over in your own thoughts. This will be a great assistance to memory. But wlmt- over bo tho kind of rending which you under- take, select such authors as good judges es- teem tho best, upon the subject. Have a particular regard to tho morality and delicacy of tho books you peruse. / " Whon you read for mere amusement, Y (which sliould seldom happen) be careful not I ) to corrupt and vitiate your taste by frothy and I / illibcrar performances, which will degru<lo the i \ dignity and sully tho purity of your minds. 1 That time is very greatly misspent, which is j bestowed in reading what can yield no instruc- tion. Not a moment^s attention should be TII£ DOARDINO SCHOOL. 25 given to books which afford not some degroo of improvement. jAlways have an cyOj there- fore, to profit, as well as to pleasurpi llo- inembcr that youth is the sced-timo of life. You are now to cuitivato that knowledge^ which future years must ripen. Free from those domestic cares, which will engross and \ occupy your minds, when placed at the head \ of fanrihes, a most inestimable price is now put into your hands to get wisdom. Now you may learn; then you must practice. " Now, therefore, lay up in store some pro- vision for every exigence, some embellishment for every station. << Look upon Elvira. Her acquirements in a Hinglo state have qualified her for a shining pattern of matronal duties, ller husband's buflincHs abroad prevents him from attending todumcbtic avocations; nor need hobo onx- iouH respecting the management of his house- y hold afiairs. Elvira is present to every oo- , caition. The suporintendonco of her family, and the education of her children is her do- light. Capable of instructing them in every needful branch of science, and of furnishing them with every requisite endowment, she is, at once, their guide, their example, and their friend. When her husband returns from the^v cares and fatigues of business, with what be- i coming ease and cheerfulness does she dissi- v pate the anxiety which sometimes hangs upon ^ his brow, and exhilarate his spirits by the en- i liveDing cbarmi of rational and refined cohi-/ 3 ^ S6 TtIB BOARDINO SCHOOL. i fvemation! In the entertainment of their i friends, how difltingiiished a part she sustains! I Her powers of mind have been so happily im- f proved, that she is able to discuss overv sub- I ject with ease and propriety. To an enlarged ; understanding and a cultivated taste, to an ex* ) tensive knowledge of the world and an ac- i quaintance with polite literature, she supcraddi^i I those amiable virtues, which give society its \ highest relish; while the elegance of her man- \. ners and the modesty of her dojmrtmcnt are a nroof of the greatness of her inind, and render her esteemed, beloved, and respected by all who know her, " But r flatter myself that each of you, my dear pupils, will be an Elvira. Then will you do justice to the superior advutituges of your edu- cation; 1)0 the delight of your friends, and the ornaments of your country^ ' . ** Iloliijious subjects must, by no mouns, be , neglected in the course of your reading. Lot the Wuw.v, be the rule of your faith and prac- tice. If you wi.sh an explanation of any par- ticular passages, seek it from some judicious and pious friend, or in the writings of some judicious and learned commentator. llut always attend chiefly to those noints which serve to mend the heart, rather than to those . knotty, metaphysical disrpiisiticms, which tend I only to perplex the understanding, and involve I the Inquirer in such labyrinths of abstrusity. 4 as are above huniuii comprehension, and be- yond human concern. The essential doc- ! TUB DOAIIDINO SCHOOL. 71 tiiuoA Qni\ procoptfl of tho gospel oro lovol to t vrry cnpncity; and upon n lifo and convor- Hution (governed by thosO| our hopoH, both of present peiico and future glory, muHt bo fuund- (d. ** lie huth 8bo\vcd thco whut in good; ut)d what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do ju8tly, nnd to love niorcy^ ond to wolk humbly with thy God,'' Tuesday, Jl, M, WRITING AND ARITHMETIC. The young ladies being seated, this morn- ing, thoir preceptress addressed them as foI« lows. , L ** Writing is productive both of pleasure and improvement. It is a source of onter- tainmi^nt which enlarges the mental powers more, nerhaps, than any other. The mind is ubiigou to exertion for materials to supply tho pen. Ilcnco it collects now stores of know- ledge, and is enriched by its own labors. It iinporceptibly treasures up the ideas, which tho hand improssoB. An opportunity is fur- nished of reviewing our sentiments before thoy oro exposed; and we have tho privilege of correcting or expunging such as are erro- neous. For this Aurposo^ you will find it t ^m% 28 THl BOARDIMO ICHOOU ! good method to collect and write your thought! upon nny subject that occurs; for by repeat- edly arranging and revising your expressioni > and opinions^ you may daily improve them, and loam to think and reason properly oo every occasion. By this moan vou may like- wise provide yourselves with a fund of matter for future use, which, without this assistance, the memory would not retain. It will be of great service to note down in your common- place book such particulars as you may judge worth remembering, with your own observa- tions upon them. This will bo a kind of amusement which will exercise your thinking powers at the time, and by recurring to it at- terwards^ it may afford you many useful hint;^. "The frequent use of the pen is calculotcd to refine and enlarge your understandings. Ilavit) you anv talent at composition ? it wil! bo increased by cultivation. " Neglect no opportunity, therefore, which your leisure affords, of delighting your friends, and accomplishing yourselves by the exerciBC of your f^cnius in this way. *' Thrice blessed are we, the happy dauglw ters of this land of liberty, where the fern* '/ mind is unshackled by the restraints of tyran- nical custom, which in many other region?* confines the exertions of genius to the usurp- ^ cd powers of lordly man! Here virtue, merit, and abilities are properly estimated undc whatever form they appear. Here the widely extended fields of literature court attention TUB DOAIlDlIfO SCHOOL. 29 ami tho Amoricnn fnir arc invited to cull the llowers, utid culiivato tho expanding laurel. ** But tho Bpccios of writing, whiclMB oj)on_ i) every capucit)', nnJ urnatuontal to ovorjr station, \H ilui cpistohiry. Tins, between par- ticuUir fricndn, is highly ngrccablo and inter- esting. It is a method of interchanging scn-^ ^ limcntf^, and of enjoying intercourse with those (. from whom you are Ihr removed, which is a j linppy fluhwtituto for ncrsonal conversation. -^ hi a corrcBpondenco of this sort, all aflccta- tion, formality, and bombast should be laid aside. ^ I, " Kji^o, frankness, simplicity, and sincerity ^ * r «*hoiihl ho its leading traits. let lot not your J f: letters he composed of mere sounding terms, nnd vcrhoso egotism; but intermix sentiment with expression, in such a manner as may bo improving as well as pleosing. Letteri of fricntlship should conduce no less to tho od- viiiitogo than entertainment of the person od- drcsscd; and mero cursory letters, of general ncquuintanco, must, at least, bo written with propriety and occuracy. Tho formation of tho characters, tho spelling, tho punctuation, , as well as tho stylo and sense, must bo attond- ' cdto. ** Never omit noticing the receipt of letters, imlcss you mean to affront tho >\riter«. Not to answer a letter, without being able to as- sign somo special reason for the neglect is equally unpardonable as to keep filonco when conversation is addressed to you in perion. 3# 90 THE BOARDINO tOUOOL. i ; * ^* By habitu AtiDg youinelvet to writing, what "t/^^'lnayy at first, appear a task, will become ex- ^ ^ tremely pleasant. Refuse not, then, to im- Srove this part of your education, especially y your frequent and dutifully affectionate epistles to your parents, when absent from them. Express your gratitude for their care, and convince them it has not been lost upon f you. [ ^^ Always employ your pens upon something | useful and refined. Let no light or loose \ compositions occupy your time and thoughts; \ ^ but remember that what you utter in this way . [^is in some measure the picture of your hearts. | Virtue forbid, thut this favorite employment ! should be dingraced by impurity, indelicacy, 1 or tho communication of vicious and ignoble [ sentiments! ^ '* One of the snges of antiquity being asked why he was so long in writing his opinion, re- plied, * I am writing for futurity.' ^^^ " Your characters during life, ond even ^ when you shall sleep in the dust, may rest on the eflbrts of your pens. Beware then how | you employ them. Let not the merit of your i attainments in this noble art be degraded bv improper subjects for its exercise. Suffer not 1 tho expectation of secresy to induce you to -^ :^^ indulge your pens upon subjects, which you would blush to have exposed. In this way your characters may be injured, and your hap- piness destroyed. << Celia and Cecilia were companions at t TU£ BOARDING SCHOOL. 31 boarding school. Whon separated, they com- tncncod an opistolary corroflpondonco, on which each valued horsolf. Their formor in- timacy which they termed friendship, prompt- ed them to writo with unlimited conndence; and, without the least reserve, to reveal every dictate of levity and thoughtless folly. They imagined themselves perfectly secure from the censure of tho critio. Their education bad '^ not taught them, that a virtuous mind should \ shrink even from ideal indelicacy. Celia was ' courted by Silvander, a young man of whom she was passionately fond ; but she had art and resolution enough to conceal her letters from his inspoction, though he oflen solicited a communication of her correspondence. At length he became impatient for ti perusal of letters which appeared so pleasing and inter- esting to the parties, and suspicious that some particular cause directed their privacy. In- fluenced by these motives, Silvander bribed a market-boy, who came from the village where Cecilia lived, and always conveyed the letters to and from her, to give them first into his hand. How astonished was ho to find tho lightness of mind exemplified in them! Puri- ty of sentiment, delicacy of thought, and re- tincmcnt of taste were entirely laid aside; and illiberal wit, frothy jests, double entendres, aud ridiculous love-tales were substituted in their place. His name was used with so much freedom, and every circumstance relative to his intercoursOy and proposed connexion with i 32 THR BOARDIIfO lONOOL. Colin^ wail bandied with 8uch familiarity, that ho was mortified, disgusted, and chagrined, in the extreme, lie hud the policy, howev- } or, to conceal the dtucovory till ho hud copied a f contfidcruble number of CoIIu'm letters, leaving ^ out whatever had reference to hiH own nilUirji. ^ lie then revenged himself by diMcloning IiIh knowledge to her, avowing his indignation at her weaknosfl, duplicity and lolly, and taking an iinmodiatu und fmal leave. Not content with tlilrt, he even circulated her letters among hh acquaintance. This fixed the stamp of ignominy on tho correspondents ; and their names and characters were rendered as ridicu- lous as scandal and malicious wit could de- sire. ** Celia was almost distracted at tho loss of her lover; but when sho found tho method ho hud taken to punish her indiscretion, ond that her reputation was thus materially injured, she (' secluded herself, in a great measure, from society, llcr sensibility received a wound which could never be healed; and she livot? find died in melancholy, regret, and obscurity. " However censurable the unjust and un- generous conduct of Silvandor may be deem- ed, yet no adequate excuse can be offered for tho young ladies, who dishonored their pens and their talents by n most improper and un- becoming use of both. " Next to writing, arithmetic usually claims nltention. Tiiis is absolutely necessary in every department, and in every stage of life TUB DOARDINO SCHOOL. 33 Even in youth, tno proper Brrangomcnt of your expenses will conduce greatly to your advanTage ; and when placed at the head of families, it will be very friendly to the order and econoiny of your domestic affairs. But, leaving your matronal conduct to future ad- monition, many benefits result from keeping regular accounts in a single state. Your pa- rents allow you a certain sum for your own private use. Fashion and folly are always busy in creating innumerable imaginary wants, J which must exceed your finances, if you do f not attend to an exact adjustment of your ex- penditures. For this purpose, always calcu- late your immediate and most necessary de- mands. Let these bo first supplied, and then if your funds bo not exhausted, more super- . fluous ones may occupy your thoughts. There is one claim, however, which must not bo neg- lected, and that is charity. You will, there- fore, manage your expenses in such a manner as to reserve somo portion of your income for the necessitous. Should you think your al- lowance insufficient to admit the children of want to a share, let your benevolence plead for the retrenchment of some triffing article which you may dispense with, without much inconvenience; and the exquisite pleasure re- Nulting from the bestowmont, will more than counterbalance the saorifice. In these, and many other particulars, a knowledge of arith- roetic will enable you to conduct the affairs of youth with ease, advantage, and usefulness. 94 THB boahdino iohool. And^ perhaps, as you ndvanco in years, and are collod to fill more important stations, you may find it of ritill ^roator utility. ** The i'atlicr ol' Lucindti was in oawy cii- eumstanccs, wlillu lio could porrurm the du- ties and enjoy the profits of a lucra ive busl* ncss. lie was the aQectionnto parent of a numerous family, to >vhoso education and im- provement he attended with unwouriud dili- genoo and i)leuMUi'o; till rvpcnited Jussos in trade, and (1iHa|)pointmentH in tils worldly vx- neetntions omhiirraHHcd his nilairs, depresHcd his Bpiritfl, and impaired his health. In tlio midst of these diiliculties, his amiable and be- loved wife wns removed by death. This triul was greater thnn ho'conld support, Ho sunk under the nflliction, and lost nis reason. Lu- cinda was tho eldcnt of six children, the euro of whom, with the melancholy tusk of attend- ing; and ministering to the necessities of her unhappy father, devolved on her. She looked upon tho wo-iraught scene, and wept. )Ior heart was sinking undi^r the weight of grief; and hope, tho \wM soother of the unfortuiuitni had nearly abandoned her. Hho advised with her friends, who ))roposed to relieve tho family by moans (»f a subscripti(m. Lucinda thanked them for their prollered kindness, and returned to her disconsolnte habitation. She delibera- ted on the projected nieanure; which nbe eon- ridered nniHl l)0 hIow, uncertain, and, iit any rate, inadeipialo to their future exigtiiccn. She could not reconcile hurs<df to tho idea of THE doahdino school. * 3y5M-^ her father's dcpcndinc on charity for subsist-^*^ ^ once. Yet what could bo done? Ono resource ,, • .,v>i Mil)' remained ; — her own exertions. By these she flattered herself, that she might save the tainily from sullbring want, and discharge the cbligations she owed to her revered parent. ■ iler cducation,by which, among other branches ; of learning, she had been well instructed in '■ arithmetic, (that being her father^s favorite study) qualified her for this undertaking. She Ihcreforc devoted herself to tho business without delay; examined her father's accounts, ; collected whatever remained that was vulua- hle; sokUhe superfluous moveables, and pur- chased a small stock for trade. All who knew j her motives and merit IVequcnted her shop, and encouraged her by their custom and kind- ness. By this mean, together with her judi- ^ I cious management, and engaging behavior, flic increased her business to such a degree, \ ■ as to support tho family with case and rcputa- ) ^ tion. " Her discreel and dutiful conduct to her father, soon restored him to his reason. ** When ho found how prudently and nflcc- tionutcly Lucinda hod exerted herself in his behalf, ho exclaimed, " Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou cxcellcst them all!" " Ho resumed his former business, and lived to BOO his children oil well provided for, and happily settled around kim.^' 96 mn boardiiio school* | Tue$day^ P. M. i MUSIC AND DANCING. I Hm pupils having taken thoir pUcoS| Mri. WilliRms proooodcd. ^^ In musio and dancing you havo made such proficiency that your porrormanccs must bi very pIcoKing to your friends^ bcroro whom you occasionally exhibit. ^^ As dancing is i\n uccomplishmont merely ; oxtornnly lot not tho vanity of oxcollonco in ^ it betray itself in an oir of conscious supcri- 1 ority^ when vou shino at the boll, and per- 1 coivo yourselves to hove attracted the otlen- [ tion ond aitplauno of tho \^f\y uHHonibly. Jiut ; in tho miurtt of hilarity and mirth, rcmcmbc^ i that modesty, difliduncc, discretion, and hu- mility ore iiidisponsablo appcudogcs of virtue and decency. << Music is a talent which nature has be- stowed, and which your application hos consid- orobly improved. It has u powerful influence over tho lieurt; wonderfully soothos and Iju- ; manizes tho passions, ond is a source of refin- ed pleasure to a mind copablo of tosting its charms. ^ " Never refuse gratifying your friends by tho exertion of your obilitios in performing, unless for somo SQty special reason. Thou^H I would not hove you vain of your skill, one ofTiciously forward to display it*, yet tho aiVcc- THE DOAHDIiNQ SCHOOL. 37 (allon of uncommon modesty, and ignornncOj is truly ridiculous. To pload inability to ox- irciso powers, which you aro conscious of pos- sessing;, and for which you wish to bo esteem- ed and honored by others, is Talse delicacy, and will never pain admission to the breast where tiiat which is genuine resides. How perfectly absurd it is for a young lady, who i-< politely requested to entertain a company with her musical talents, to declare them so siiiiill that she is really ashamed to expose hcriulf before such good judges; or that sho has neglected playing, or singing, for some lirnc, and cannot immediately revive her dor- innnt skill; or that she has forgotten her tunos, or songs; or that she has a bad cold; (which none but herself perceives,) and ii imablo to sing; or that sho is loath to begin this amusement, and must insist up* on Homo other lady's setting tho example; which other lady has, in her turn, an equal number of oxcuses I T(ius the [time of th« company is engrossed^ and their pleasure saspcnded, till a long train of arguments, entreaties, and compliments aro run through, and her vanity fully gratified by the most flat- toring and importunate solicitations. ^^Then, elate with pride and self importanco, she condescends to grant their request; not considering bow far she has derogated from hor own merit by the futile artifice she has cinplo^'cd; an artifice unworthy of an ingenu* 0U9 mind, and disgraceful to any lady who has arrived to years of discretion. 4 9S THB BOARDING BCROOt. f *^ Let \xn view this evattve manner of seek- ' tng compliments a little nearer. When a per- Hon if known to be mistrcAs of thiA deliglaful \ art| what can be her motive for delaying the gratiHcation of her friends by its exorcise, and refusing a compliani:o with Ihcir wishes, till their patience is exhausted ? I believe thot €)xcusoS| in this case, are very seldom sincere The youthful mind is not insensible to praise, nor indiflcrcnt to the means of obtaining it. " Why then should it not bo received an<^ increased by a ready and obliging compliance? ^ A desire to plcaso is usually attended with success; and for what reason 'should the pow* er and disposition bo artfully concealed? } ** Always preserve a frankness and sincerity I in your actions and designs. These will add i dignity to your condescensions^ and graceful- j ness to your deportment. " Rise superior to those little arts which bespeak the fmesso of a childish folly, or a narrow mind. Do honor to this, ns well as to ' every other part of your cducotion, by octing conformably to the precepts which havo been given you, the knowledge which you have acquired, and the opportunities with which you may be furnished for the purpose^ . '^ Music and dancing, though polite and elegant accomplishments, are, perhaps, the most fascinating, and, of course, the most dan- fforous of any that fall under that description. I >Vhen indulged to excess, beside engrossinjc I lauch time which ought to be employed in th» / I ttin B0AnDI5O ICIIOOL. S9 rxecution of moro necessary and useful do- signs, they sometimes allure their fond vota- riori from that purity and rectitude which are the chief enihcllishmcnts of the female char- I nctcr. They Iny the mind open to many ^ tcinptfilions, and, by nourishing a frivoloua vanity, l^cnumb the nobler powers both of ro-; ilcction and action. ^ ^* TiCvitia was endowed, by the joint influ* tnco of nnturo and art, with these pleasing cluii fiH. Symnretry was perfected in her form ; nrul hor voice ^tih melody itself, ufcr parents ^cro not in aflluent circumHtor^ctJs; yctlheir taste led thorn to distinguish those graces and iHlcnts in their daughter, which they injudi- ciously flattered themselves migiit, one day, raise her to aflluence and fame.; Hence they i^parod no pains nor expense, in their power to bestow, to Assist her mclination and gratify iicr Tvislie.^. As she advanced in years, sho nMsidiiously cuUivated and diligently improved IhcKo rndowmcnts which she had been crronc- oufily encouraged, and even taught, to consid- vr most valuable. To adorn her person, reg- tilote her movements, and practise her music, was all her care. Nor had sho a wish beyond iho pleasures, which she fancied they could yield. Her mind resembled a garden, in which the useful plants were overrun and choked by noxious woods. Herb and there a gaudy flowur reart its brilliant head, and proudly darcn to arrotl tho eye; whilo th« delicate and useful lie buried «nd eoncealod ia the surrounding waste! 40 TIIS BOiRDINO BCtlOOL. ^ ; / ** Flattery wa» pleasing to hor ear, in what- j ever form it was presented. The pay and , I licentious sought her society; and vanity vith I 1 its attondont train of follies led her imngioa- i \ tion far from the sphere of life vhich Provi- f ^ dence had assigned her. Her parents paw [ their own mistake, and were alarmed at heft | but, alas! too late were their endeavpj:* to | prevent the mischiefs which impended. tTh^^' | ■ could not supply her unbounded wants; and V therefore to gratify her ruling passion, nhc * deemed means of her own invention indispcn* |^ sabloTl Among her admirers was a foreigner, ? who, (ailing ot success in his own country* sought a Bubsistenco in ours, from the stn^t. t lie know Lovitin's talents. These mifiht ^ give her the palm of applause, and in his way | of life, render her conH])icuou8. This pinn ^ ho communicated to her, insidiously oHbring to become her guardian, and to put her under ) ! the protection of such friends as should dc* j fend hor honor, and ensure her success. Slic J! was pleased with the project. ^V holly un- j acquainted with tho world, and unHusptciouA j*'^ of the subtle nrts of tho deluding libertine, j ( sho scrupled not his veracity, but listened to [| ) his insinuating declarations of love and friend- I / ship. She was deceived by tho vanity of ap- i ■ \ pcaring where her fancied merit would meet 'll' with the encounigcmcnt and reward it deserv- ed; and vainly imagining that her beauty might secure her elevation and aflluence, shf itji readily consented to the fatal experiment. *riifi uoahdino school. At tlupcd from her fathcr'd house, and becamo Q professed actress. *^Rer poronts woro overwhelmed With grio'f and anxiety, at tho discovery; but to no pur- pose wcro all their exertions to reclaim her. She htid Icll them, no more to leturn; loft ' thum^ too, with tho heart-rending rcflectioni that they themselves had heedlessly contribu- ted to her disgrace and ruin. But bitter in- ilccd wcro tho fruits of her disobcdicnco and rcjlJyl il^Sho mado her anpcarance on the stage. She Hun^ and danced, fur which she was ca- rcs.<cd, rtuttercd, and paid. A licentious modo of lifo quadrating with tho levity of Ircr hoari, •oon lell her a prey to seduction. Her gaiety and beauty gained her many votaries, and she ) became a complete courtezan. ] ^ ^^ In tho midst of this career, her mother died of a broken heart, evidently occasioned by her undutiful ond vicious conduct. A i»ense of her ingratitude to her parents, and her shameless manner of lifo struck her mind, not naturally unfeeling, with such force, as to throw her into a fever which undermined her constitution, deprived her of her beauty, ru- ined her voice, and left her without means of"^ ftupnort. Her pretended lover, fmdin^ she could no longer bo useful to him, perfidioualy abandoned her to poverty and shame. Sho returned, like the prodigal, to her unhappy father, who received, but could not assist her. Her behavior, with its consequences ia 4» ^ 43 THE BOARDING SCHOOL. the death of her mother, had impaired hit healthy deprosRod hid spiritAi and rendered hiro incapable of providing for himself. '* She is now despised and avoided by all her former acquaintance, and must inovita- '[ blv spend the remainder of her days in wretch- edness. " Let us turn from this disgusting picture, ^ and behold its contrast in the amiable I lorclla. \ (To beauty of person she superadds delicacy, j sensibility, and every noble quality of the ; mind, llespectful to her superiors, aOablc, \ cheeiful, and polite to her equals, and condc ' Bcendingly kind to her inferiors, Florella is \ universally esteemed, beloved and admired. - Of the pleasing accomplishments of music ; Sand dancing she is a eonsummute mistrvtis. : Yet she is superior to the vain arts of llallory, ^ whilo the dignity of conscious virtue rniscn ^ her far above the aflbctation of false modesty | and dinidoncqj To picaso and obligo thoH* | friends who are interoHtod in her hnppincHf*, i mid gratified by her porforinunces, is her do- ? light. Nor docs she think it necessary, by I jeigned excuses, to delay the nleuHure, which v > eho is able to aflbrd; but willingly enhances \ that pleasure by a ready and cheerful compli- anco. This she thinks the best return bho . can make for their kind attention. Though delighted with these amusements herself, she, neverlhelcHS, considers them as nmuHcnunt^ only; and assiduously cultivates the more solidl ^ brunches of her education. These, she in !!: TUG DOAHDINO NCIIOOL. 49 wont to Ray, may render mo useful nnd hnp- ly, whon ilio voico of nuiHic fllinll bo brought ow^und when tho »prigbtl/ limb» BhuU bocomo languid nnd innclivo. •• How happy her parents in her fdial duty ond ullbction! How rich tho roward of their cure and oxpenno in cuntributing to hor im- pruvoniontA! How hnp))y Florolia in their cuinphiconcy nnd lovo, nnd in tho conucioUH- now of doHorving them! v,,^ ** She wuj<, not long since, nddrossod by a ^ ^ontlcnnm, who was pleasing to her fancy; but, determined never to indulge a sentiment of partiality without the entire approbation of her parents, she referred him to their decision. For particular reasons, they disapproved off his suit. Sho acquiesced without reserve,! and immediately dismissed him. Who would 1 not rather be a resembler of Florella, than a ^ vain, imprudent, and ruined Levitia? ** True, indeed, the acquirements and gra- ces of Florella aro not attainable by every one; but tho virtues of discretion, modesty^ ^ and kindness aro within tho rcacli of the hum- j blest sphoro, and tho most moderate abilitios,"^ 44 HIE BOARbLNd IClldOt. fVedniiday^ A. M. MISCELLANEOUS DIRECTIONS Iron TUB OOVBRIfM&NT OP THE TEMPER AN9 MANNERS, " I SHALL now," said Mrs. Williomn, •' en* ! deavor to sketch out lor you tho plan of con- \ duct, which I think will bo most conducive to i {our honor And happlncris while in a single stnt^^ t litherto you havo bcon under tho direction ^f parontft, gunrdiann, nnd instruclem, who 1 have regulated your dcportinrnf, nnd luboicd ! to givo you iust ideas upon every subject nnd occnHiun, That period in now over. You nro now Inunchlnf; into life; where you will think nnd net more for yourHclves. ** Tho puth of rectitude, my dear yotinj{ \ friendrt, is narrow nnd intricule. Tomptntionn r lurk around to beguile your Ibet ndtruv; and ^ dnngorn which nppcur inuurmountablo will often arise to aflVight you from tho wnys of virtue. *' But remember that o crown of honor tmd hnpniness awaits tho undevinting purbuit ot' I trutii and duty, Let religion bo yuur guide, i I ond dtHcretion your handmaid. Thus attendee^ r you will escape tho snares of youth, and sur- n.ount tho perplexing cares of moro advanced age. At your entrance on the stngo of action, tho allurements of pleu8uro ^vill pprcnd innu* incroBfo charms to cour^ your accrptnnce. iJcwaro of their fnftcinatii'g wiicp; nr.d vUt- Tlll^ nOAllDINO SCHOOL. 45 ever conrno you adopt, bo fluro it is Buch as ^ will bcnr the tcHt of oxumination nnd roflcc- }i (ion. Let tliCHO bo the criterion of all your pursuilH nnd enjoyments. IMako it nn inva- liaMo pnictico to ro-trnco tlio actions ond oc- currcncoM of tlio day, wbcn you retire to rest; to nccount with your own hearts for the uso and improvement of tho past hours; and roc- til}' whatever you find amiss, by greater vigi- ^ lanco and caution, in future; to avoid tno . errofH into which you have fallen, and to dis- ^ clmr^o the duties incumbent upon you. 4 " To neglect this, will bo a source of great J inadvertencies and failings. I " To know yourselves, in every particular, I must bo your constant endeavor. This know- I ledge will lead you to propriety and consistency of action. But this knowledge cannot bo ob- tained without a thorough and repeated inspec- ' tion of your various passions, adections, and ^ propcnHities. When obtained, however, it j will prevent tho ill oflocts of flattery, by which ? you will doubtless bo endangered, as you od- vanco into tho scenes of fashionable life. It will enable you to distinguish flattery from that generous praiso which is tho cflTusion of u focTing heart, affected by tho perception of real merit. A young lady, unskilled in tho deceitful arts of a giddy world, is very apt to be misled by tho adulation which is offered at tho shrine of vanity. She is considered as a mark for tho wit of ovory coxcomb| who wish- es to display his gallantry. 40 THS B0AltDi:fO iCIlOOL. ^^ Flattory is a dazzling metoor, which casti || a delusive glare before the c}*e; and which ■educes the imagination, perverts the judg- menty and silences the dictates of sound rea- son. Flattery is, therefore, the poinon qiuI \ bane of the yoiithflil mind. It renders \\\t \ receiver blind to those defects which slie o\x»\\\ \ to see and rectify, and proud of imaginary | j graces wljich she never yet poHsosscd. Scir- 1 Knowledge, as before obtfervcd, will fuciUtnte h the detection of this dit»guised odversary, by | enabling you to investigate your real accon^* | plishmcntj and merits. ^ "That proijio which is the result of dcflcrv- cd approbation from those, whoso good opln > ion you wish to enjoy, is worthy your atton- tion and grateful acceptance: but the fu'- \ some compliments and hyperbolical professions of unmeaning and empty pretenders, culcu- ^ lated only to fill tho imagination with the in- flammable air of self-conceit and orrognnt / pride, should bo rejected with disdain, nn«l % / cordially despised by every lady of Rrnj^o and | sentiment, txA an insult upon her undci\st>ind- f \ing, and an indignity to her sensibility. | " Let it, therefore,* be known to those who i court your favor by un ostentatious parade j of admiration and obseq\iiousnoss, that their | dissimulation and duplicity are discovered, anu that you are superior to such futility. I ^ " In order to discriminate between flattery and merited nraiso, critically examine your own heart and life, Ry this mean you will \ TIIR BOARDING BCHOOT.. 4t nsccrtain what is really your due, and what i is merely the cflcct of this insidious art. But )' lot no ideas of yoar own endowments, how- ever just, elate you with an opinion of your superior powers of pleasing. '* Be not ostentatious of your channsy either \ of person or mind. Let modesty, diflidencei nnd propriety regulate you, in regard to each. Exalted advantages will render you an ohject of envy to the weak minded of your own , seX) and of satire to tho ill-natured part of the otlicr. [Never ohtrudc even your real graces I and acconr^plishments upon tho worlds The penetrating and judicious will sec and applaud them, while retiring from tho gazo of a mil- judging and misrepresenting throng. " Naked in nothing should o woman be, r 1 Bui vcij her very wit with modesty ; Let man discover ; lot her not display ; But yield her charms of miud with iweot delay.*^ '* Those who arc solicitous for heauty filK>uId remember that the expression of the counte- nance, in which its very essence consists^ de- l pcnds on tho disposition of tho mind. I ** \Vhat*s Temalo beauty, but an air dirrne, ^ Through which the mind** all gentle graces ibiDt \ \ These, like lh« tun, irradiate all between ; ^ The body charms, because the soul is s6on« Hence men are often captires of a face, ' They know not why ; of no peculiar grace* t^ome forms, though bright,, no mortal naan ran bfv ^ Some, non« reibt, tho* not exceeding fair/* <' Beauty, my dear girU, is indeed a desl* table quality. Neither the pen of the moral- 48 TUB BOARDING SCHOOL. isty nor tho nploon of tho untirUty nor the cnr of iuch as want it, could over bring it iut^ . contempt or neglect. Yet mere external/ beauty is transient as the meteor, and frnil a^ the bubble, which floats on the surface of the watery element. ^^ nehold tho disconsolate and dG)!>p?i»r Flirtilla! and from her fate loam not to tr.M in tlie eflccts or duration of this adventitious t quality. \ " Early in life, Flirtilla was taught that her ' charms were irresistible; that she might as- ^ pire to an absolute ascendency over the hearts ^ ■^ and passions of her votaries. A supcrficia' \but fashionable education added tlie allure- niouts of art to thortu of porsoU) and rcudor«t her u fnuHhed eo<piotto. I I lor beauty and the gaiety of hor mannc I gained her numerous admirers, who swari» ; around, like the insect tribe, eager to sip thi j fragrance of the equally fair and fading rose, t Tho incense of flattery, in every form, wo? ' her tribute. " Elated by this, she gave free scope : hor ruling paHsiuns, tho love of plouHure un dissipation. Ifer best days were spont in *' cliUHO of vanity; and she cullcjd the fluwrrf* life, without considering, that subntuntiul H would be recpiired at a more advanced ptri' as tt subfcitituto for tho fading blosnoi s ^ youth. Her mind was barren of improvcm r*. and consequently destitute of resources. She vainly imagined the triumphs of bcnut THE nOARDINO SCHOOL. 49 ^ to bo permanent, till its declared enemy, '^'^ the smull-|)ox, convinced her of the egregious mistake. By this she found iier empire sud- denly overturned. The merciless disorder had reduced her to a level with the generality I of her sex, in appearance, and, in enjoyment ^ far below them. Iler glass faithfully ropre- j seated this insupportable reduction. Regret \ ] and chagrin heightened the apparent calami- f ] iy. She was remembered only as the con- trast of what she once had been. Her lovers • wcro disgusted with the change, and sought I I more pleasing objects of attention; while men li of sentiment could not fmd a similarity of dis- ] position, in her, to induce a connexion. ; *^ Her female acquaintance, who had envied ' licr as a rival, or feared her as a superior, now insulted her with their pity, or mortified *> ' her by remarks on the surprising alteration j in her appearance. j j " Finding no alleviation from society, she I I retired from the world to nurse, in solitudoi the vexation and disappointnicnt sho cxpori- cnccd. ** View her now, peevish, discontented, and gloomy I Ilor ideas of plea?^uro were center- ed in that person, which is now neglected; in those endowments which have now forsakoa her forever! •♦ Thought sho studiously shuns; for sho has nothing pleasing to occupy her reflections, but whht is irretrievably lost! JJ '* Miscrablo Flirtilla! thou trustcdst in vani- dO THE BOAnDIMO SCHOOL^ ty, ftnd vanity ii thy recompense! ITow happy michtcst thou have been, even in thi» change, if thy heart had been rectified, thv Onderstandinji; improved, and thy mind libor* ally Btorcd with useful sentiments, knowledge^ and information! " Cultivate, then, my young friends, those dispositions and attainments, which will >ield permanent and real satisfaction, when sick- ness, adversity, or age shall have robbed your eyes of their lustre, and diminished the bloom \and sprightlincstf of your forms. '* You aro doubtless sensible that your hap^* piness, in life, docs not depend so much on your external, as your internal graces. " The constitutional temper of your nnn^f^ , was given you by nature; but reason is added for its regulation. '< On tiru*f vast ocean diverioT^ we ui\ f RoMon the chart ; but pawion ia tho {ale/' " Our passions were certainly implanted for wise and benevolent purooses; and, if properly directed, may be or great utility. This direction nature will teach, and educa- tion improve. To their precepts wo must implicitly listen, if we would become respec-' table or contented. /^ " Examine yourselves, therefore, with iiri- V partial scrutiny. Find out your particular ) faults in this respect, and exert your unweari- / ed industry to amend them. V, " Possibly you may bo waturalfy Iwisty, THE OOAnDI.NQ SCIIOOIm 51 passionate, or vindictivo. If so, how wretched, at times, must tho indulgence of this temper render you! When reason, awhilo suspend- ed, resumes its empire, and calm reflection succeeds tho riot of passion, how severe must bo your self-condemnation, and how keen vour sensations of regret! Perhaps an un- kindncss of expression to some particulor friend, disrespectful treatment of an honored superior, ill-timcd resentment to a beloved ' oquol, or imperious and unbecoming severity to a deservin|j5 inferior, may give you tho most painful emotions^ and degrade you in your own, as well as in tho estimntion of every ob- server! To prevent this evil, accustom your- selves to check the first ri!iin|T9 of anger, and suspend every expression ot displeasure, till you can deliberate on tho provocation, and the propriety of noticing it. It may have been undesigned, and, tlicreforo, not justly provoking, i ou may have misunderstood tho Word, or action of oflbnco, and inquiry may remove tho grounds of your suspicion: or tho person oflending may be one with whom pruuonco ond honor require you not to enter tho lists. But if neither of thcso considerations occur, reflect a moment, that your own repu- tation and consequent happiness aro at stalco; ond that to loso the command of yourselves and your passions is inconsistent with tho de- licacy of ladies, the moderiition of christians, and the dignity of rational beings. '* Let every salljr alarm, and excite you to 62 THE BOARDING SCHOOL. rnlly and new-disciplino your forces; and to bo more strictly on your guard against the assaults of your foe. ^^Tho character of Camilla is a pattern worthy of your imitation. Whilo very younp. Comilla was unfortunotely deprived of the in- struction and regulating hand ofa discreet and judicious mother. Her father was too much unmerscd in business to attend to tho cuUiva^ tibn of his daughter's mind. ^^ lie gave her tho menus of a genteel edu- cation, proiscd her excellencies, and chid h«r faults, without being at the pains of teaching her how to amend them. The irritability of her temper ho rather indulged, couHidoring her as a girl of apirity who would make her way in tho world, in spite of obntucles. She wus naturally generous, tender-hearted, and hu- mane; but her temper won as uncontrolta))Ic ns tho whirlpool, and as impetuous as the wind. Happily for her, she had an uncom- mon strcngtli of mind, a ready apprchenpion, a quick perception, ond a depth of understand* ing, seldom equalled. Sho saw her error.s was conscious of her failings, and a severe suf- ferer for her faults. Ihit sueh was the ex- treme quickncHs uf her feelings, und t^o pu^ sionate her resentnu^nt of nnj|^ thing wliird ! oppeared injuriouM or nflVontivo, that nhr could not always repress them. Sho nmrrici n gentleman ot a similar temper, and of oqurd prudence. In tho union of such violent spirits. THfi HOARDING gCllOOt. 6i great harmony could not bo proflogcdt Tiioir t>a88ion8 wcro livclVi their titlcctluns Qfdenti •• Tl»o hon«vinoon in rnpturffn flow, A ncnoMil brou^jhl iti li aiinporlii too ; TliQ third, tlio fnurtii, wcro not ami«i ; Tho ril\h wni rrlendnliip, mixed with bliii } Itut orn A twolvcmonth pd^nod nwny, Thoy found cich olhor inado of cUy**' ** Inadvertencies pnvo oflV^nco ; frctjucnt al» lercations aroso; both woro tenacious of their right!!) and avcme to condescension. Camilla pnw tho impending? danger; sho became sen- f>iblc that tho hoppiness of her Ilfo depended on amendment and caution; she resolved to avoid giving or taking ofToncc, with tho grlcat'- est diligence; to suppress every emotion of ongcr; and when she thought herself Injured, to retire or be silent, till passion hud Bubsidcd^ and she could regain her calmness. **This was a hard task, at first; but perse* f| vcrancG rendered it eflcctual to a thorough rcformalion in each. p ** Her example and pathetic admonitions in* U (^uccd her husband to adopt her prudent plan. They found their mutual endeavors produce tivo of real satisfaction, and happiness the reword of their exertions to securo it. ** To bo vindictive is equally, perhaps moro fatal to our own, and tho peuco oi others, than to bo passionate. Violent passions of all kinds are generally transient; but rovongo is tho ofTiipring of malice, the parent of discord, and tlie ban« of social love. It is au evidence of 5* •.^*« liiMililriiaiilillMiMii^^ 54 THE BOARDINO SCHOOL. a weak and Bicklv mind. True greatness will rise superior to this ignoble spirit^ so peculiar- ly ungraceful in a lady, and inconsistent with that delicacy and soHness^ which ought ever to characterize the sex. << But on envious temper is, of oil others, tho most degrading and miserable. Envy is a malignant poison, which rankles in the heart, ond destroys the inward peace, even while there is on outward oppoorance of serenity. That mind, which connot rejoice in the happiness of others, is capable of very little in itself To look with a grudging and evil eye on the enjoyments of our neighbor, must be a source of perpetual chagrin and mortification. ^^ Envy indulged, is a punishment to its pos- sessor. Eradicutc, then, tho first, and every emotion of so corroding and destructive a na- ture ; and endeavor to excel only by that vir- tuous emulation, wliich is productive of im- provement and respectability. <^ A kind, com))assionate, benevolent, hu- mane disposition is an invaluable treasure. It will lender you blessings to society, and ob- jects of universal esteem. ** In you *iin gnicoflil to diH^olvo at wo ; With every inution, every word, to wavo Quick o*er tho kindling; ciiook tho ready blush ] And from tho aniallcht viulonco to shriuk."— " This amiable temper, however, may some- times degenerate into weakness. '^Prudence should bo exercised, even in the indulgence of tho most engaging qualities. THE DOARDINO SCHOOL. 55 In tho progress of lifo, occasions may call for that resolution and fortitude, which admit not ofapparant softness} but such occasions very seldom occur, << How alluring are tho charms of sympathy and charity! Happy are they who always feel tho one, and have power and inclination to exemplify the other! ** Tho diamond and tho ruby*i blnzo Diitputo tho palm with bouuty*i queon ; Not beauty*! qucon demands luch praiio, Devoid of virtuo if she's soon. But tho ioft tear in pity's oyo Outshines tho diomond^s brightest beam, And tho sweet blush of modesty More beauteous than tho ruby ■ soon.*' TVedncsdayy P. M, DRESS. " Dress," continued Mrs. Williams to hot re-asscmblcd and attentive pupils, '^ is an im- portant article of female economy. By some it is doubtless considered as too essential. This is always the case, when it becomes the ruling passion, and every other excellence is made subordinate to it. A suitable attention to the etiquette of appearance is necessary to render us respectable in the eyes of the world; imii J 6*6 ttlft BOJinDlNO §CU06t» tind dUoovers an acoommoduting dUposltiotii which ii| ut oncO) ongnging and UHoful in the* eommarce of aociety« Females ore taxed with being pecuUor)/ attached to, ond captivated by tht) glare of Fplcndor and Khow. Hut I be licvo BUperficinl ntindii arc not confined to acx \Vh»»tovt)r form thoy actuate, to henutify and adorn it will bo Iho principal objoct. " A certain 0peoiett o^l guicty und oiriner.' is becoming in youth. Jfoung ladicH, there fore, act perfectly in ciinracter, when, under proper restraint, thoy indulgo their tUHtu in the decoration of their pomontij lU\i thoy nhould I bo OHpecially tartjful that thbir la«te be cor- j reel ; oon^iMient with tlio nuident dulicary I which id tho glory ond ornomcnt of woman. *' It id luudahle to follow furthiouM, no far u^ they ore governed hy these rules; but when' ever they deviate, quit them with expresu dis- approbation and dlHgunt. Any aHHUinptiooM nf the maMOulinehahitare unhreunting. DieMK ant' inannera nhould ho corrcHpondrnl; and tho «**' ]gaging Hol^lneMH and attlrH^ Ktrnplieity, whi( ^ ^rnco my pupils, must ho quitu inconsiettcn- . with the air und attire of tho other sex. I '^ A gaudy and fantastical modo of decora- I tion in by no meauB o recommendation. It be- Kpeahti n lightness of mind and a vanity ct' diripoMition, a^MiioHt which a dincreet and mud cM girl tthould guard with the utmost vigilanccv /^ Kxtravagancc la a great error, even wheir / fortune will allow the mean^i of supporting it. \ Mnny are tho claims which the childica of af- THE DOARDINO 8CII00L. 57 diction nnd want hnvo upon (ho Bupcrfluoiis i plenty of the rich. How much better expend- ed wouUl some part of their redundance be, inj . rcHcving the necessities of such, than in dcco-/ rating their own persons, with every ornament which art can contrive to create expense! ** Neatness and propriety shouUl be the mnin objects; for loveliness needs no foreign aid to give it u passport. Ncatncfhi) is too often connected with tlio idea of a prudish singulari- ty; but no gaudiness of apparel, no richness of attire, no modishness of appearance can bo an equivalent for it. Propriety is that garb which becomes our situation und circumstan- ces in life. There certainly ought to bo a '^ dlflcrcnco between diflcrent ages and condi^ tions, in this respect. Many articles, orna- mental to Miss m her teens, would appear absurd, fantastical, and ridiculous in maturor years. Nchher should the matronal robes, and the closo cap hido the natural ringlets, and easy shapes of the blooming girl. -^ ** It is a very falso tasto which indaccs poo- | pic in dependent and narrow circumstances, to ( miitato iho expensive mode of dress which f might bo very decent for those who move in a I- higher sphere. ^ ** To endeavor to conceal indigence by the QfTectation of cxtravoganco, is committing a" great oflencp, both ogainst ourselves, and tho community to which wo belong. Tho moans II of support should always be attended to. A conformity to these will render you more res- 58 THE BOARDI.NO tCKOOt. peo(ed for prudence, than n deviation for tho take of show without ^ubstancoi/ can make ^ you admired. ^ / ^'Louisa and Clnrinda are striking examples. \ They were both the daughters of reputable 1 parents, whoso situations in the world were > rasy and comfortable, though not affluent, f They wore able to give their children a good j education, but no other portion. Gay, volatile, ^ and nmhitiouji, Louisa was the votary of fash- ion. A superior in drcs.^ excited the keenest sensations of envy in her bosom; and a rival in nppoaranco gave hor unH[)cukablo mortiti- cation. DiBsntisfied with her natural charms^ cosmetics and paints added to hor expenses, and betrayed hor folly. She had many pro- f«HHO(l admirers, who found her a willing dupo to tliittory, nnd who raJHod her vanity by prni«- iwg hor excellent taste. \^ ** Leander, a gentleman of liberal educa- tion, superior merit, and handsome property, cant his eye around for a companion to share and enjoy thoMO ndvnntugcs with him. Louiii.i caught his attention. Tho elegance of her person, and splendor of her apponrunce. •charmed his imagination, and inspired the idea of a fortune sufficient to support hor expensi^"^ style of living. lie paid hia addresses a'^ was received with the most flattering encour- agement. But how greot was his disappoint ment, when he discovered the smallnoss of he resources, and tho imprudence of her man* agement! Thi^, said he to himself, will never do for mo, Wcro my income far superior to \ what it is()it would not bo Adequate to 8uci) un* 1 bounded extravagance. Meaidca, where so" lilllc economy is practised, while under paren- tal government, what must bo the consequenco of that unlimited indulgence, which tho confi* dence duo to a wife demands ? Were I to abridge her expenses, and endeavor to rectify her rantastical taste, it would doubtless foment dissension, discord, and animosity^ which must tcrminolo in wretchedness. lie resolved, however, to try her real disposition, by gently hinting his disapprobation of her gaiety. ThisX bhc resented; and a rupture, which ended in ) u fmal Reparation, ensued. She found, too | late, the vuluo of tho man, whom sho had V plighted; and ever after regretted that folly | J which had irretrievably alienated his aflfec^ tions. _^ ' ^ " Tho modesty and neatness of Clarinda^i \garb next caught Lcander's eye. Conversing wit!) her on the su!)jcct of dress, the justness of her sentiments gave him tho highest idcai of the rectitude and innocence of her mindi lA costly article was oficrcd for her purchasc;\ but she refused iQ It would not become me^^ f^aid she, nor ony other person who has not an Itffluent fortune. If I had a sufficiency to buy it, I would procure something more sim^ / pie and necessary for myself; and the over- plus might render an object of distress con- tented and happy. ** Yet w«« Clarindo always elegantly ncatv N 00 TUB BOARDIIfO lOIIOOt. Qlwnyfl genteelly fashionable. Fru^Qlity nnd eoonomy, free A'om proflifiion nnd oxtravn- ganoe^ enabled her to indulge her own taste entirely; and whtio she enjoy od that, Rhe ro- i)inod not at the faneiod Ruporiority of othorR. [joandor found hor all ho wiHhod, in appear- nnoo; all he hoped for, in reality, As their tUMtO(4 wore corroiipondont, and thuir hIghoMt aim, when luutod, to pleano each other, they wore not dependent on tho breath of fufthion for their happinoMH, A complinnco with itd forms did not elalo their pride, nor a depar- ture from them, fill tlieir heutts with peev- ishness and discontent/' Tlinrsday^ Jl. J»/. POLITENESS. <* Still more important than your habit, is your air and deportment. It is not RUllicicnt that theso arc pluaniug to tho oyo of the nu- perficiul obnerver. Your behuvior and eonver- Ration must bo uniformly governed by the laws of politcncRR, diwcretion, and decorum. EIhc you will be diH^UHtinjr to peo|)Ie of renncment; nnd tho judiciuuH and diMcmning will dl.'^cover tho wenknesH of your mindn, notwilliHtandiripr tho nbowy ornnmentH, intended to conceal it , . from public view. -^ i •* Inattcnlion in company is a breach of • '^ TUB OOARDINO SCHOOL. Gl ood mannorfl. Indeed, it is a downright in- -lilt; being ncilhor moro nor loss, than doclar- in;:; tlmt you have not tho loant rospoct for nny who aro nrcnont. Either you do not valuo ihcir good opinion, or ^ou have something more important than their conversation to oc«* ctipy your mindn. \^ ** Vou Riiould always be attentive to those with whom you ore conversant, let their rank and / standing be what they may. Your superiors ^ will ostcom you for your respectful treatment «r Ihcm; your equals will lovo you for your ktixinoss and familiority; your inferiors will rospoct you for your condescension ond mook« " Attention in copfipany will bo advanta* ;:( ouN to yourselves. Like tho industrious bco, which HJpH honey from every plant, you may derive somo benefit or iniitruction from all khhU of society i Some uneful remark or infor- mation; Mome Bcntiment which may allure you to tho proctico of virtue, or deter you from a vicious perpetration, may repay your labor, and ho serviceable through life. *^ But should there be no other motive than that of pleasing your associates, and render- ing them happy, by making yourselves agreea- l>lc, it may bo considered as a suQicient in- / duccment to tho practice of this branch of ^'tod-breeding. Many girls, in tho thought- \ icHs levity of their hearts, divert themselves at tlio oxpenso of others; and, with tho utmost glooy point out any thing poouliar ia the «p« CI TIIK OOAnDlN'O BCIIOOLtf pearanc6| wordf , or actions of some one in the companyi whom they Aclect for a subject of merriment and ridicule. This, by shrewd looks, ironical gestures, or tittering whisperfi, is kept up, to the great mortification of the unhappy victim, and to the reproach and dis- honor of the offenders. Such conduct is a broach, not only of the rules of common civili- ty, but of humanity; besides being directly re- pugnant to the precept of doing to others as wo would that they should do to us. " Be particularly caroful, then, not to mortU fyf or give pain to an inferior. ^* Let the question, ' who maketh the^it to dinfor V suppress every emotion of ridicule, contempt, or neglect; and induce you to roiso and encourage depressed merit by your notico and approbation. "Asfar as propriety, delicacy, and virtue will allow, cqnforjnLto the taste, and partici- pate in the amusements and conversation of the company into which you have fallen. If they be disagreeable to you, avoid a supercili- ous avowal of your dislike. This, instead of reforming, would probably give them a disgust to you, and perhaps subject you to affronts. Yet where a disapprobating word or hint may be seasonable, neglect not the opportunity of contributing to their benefit and amendment. " Arc you conscious of superior advantages, either mental or external, make no ostentatious display of them. Vanity too often leads young ladies to obtrude their acquirements on thu iiiiiiiiiMilf^-ififtrn-ni TllC DOAUDLNO •CllOOt.. (>d lycii of ubMorvorM, inconaidcrntcly opprclicnd- iii^ they inny olhcrwirto bo unnoticed. Such forwardncflj* nlwnys Buhjccts thorn to censure, ridicule, nnd envy; the cxprefisionn of which destroy tiint solf-approbnlion which rclirinj^ merit invnriiihly enjoys, Ilowovofi cxorl that dignity of virtue which will rondor you inde- pendent of CDpricOy calumny^ and unprovoked satire. "Make no ungenerous, or ill-natured re- marks on the company, or on the individuals of which it is composed. *' If you dislike them, avoid them in future. It you witness errors, faults, or improprieties, conceal, or at least cxtcnuitc them, oa much as possible. ** Make just ollowanccs for those who mny diflfcr from you in opUiion; nnd bo cautious never to misrepresent, or circulate what ap- pears nmiss to you, nnd rmtst, if exposed, bo injurious to otlierx. Charity hides a multitudo of faults. Certainly then, cliarity will never oggravato nor create them. **To civo currency to a report, which tends to the disadvnntogo and dinhonor of another, is defaming; and defamation is a species of cruelty, which can never bo expiated. *^ Of this the unhappy, though imprudent Eudocia, is an exemplincation. «^ Eudocitt was young, ^ay, and charming. A levity of disposition, which the innocence of V her heart attempted not to restrain, sometimes y gave tbo tongue of slander pretence lo aim iu / 64 THE BOAROINO lOHOOL. envenomod shahn at her character^ and to mit* reprosont hor sprightliness. <*> Independent in fortune; still more so in mind^ calumny gave hor no pain, while she was conscious of tho rectitude of her inten- tions. " Leonttno was a gentleman of property; agreeable in his person and manners; of strict honor, and extremely tenacious of it; but of a severe and unforgiving temper. lie paid h's addresses to Eudocia; was accepted, opprov- ed, and beloved. Yet, though he had gained her affections, he had not suillciont influence to regulate her conduct, and reprcRS her gaie- ty, ilor fondness for show and gallantry, in some instances, induced her to countenance the attentions, and receive the flattery, of men, whoso characters were exceptionable, in Le- ontine^s estimation. lie remonstrated against hor imnrudonco, and gave her his ideas of fe- male dolicttcy. She laughed at his gravity, and rallied him on his implicit subjection to tlu opinions of others. "Towards tho close of a fine day, Eudo- cia rambled along a retired road, to enj<'y the air. She was alone; but tho hope of meeting hor beloved Leontine, whom she expectc* that evenii»g, imperceptibly led her beyond h*.* intended excursion. The rattling of a ca-- riage cauHcd her to stop; and, thinking it to I < Leontino's, she approached it before nho per- ceived her mistake. A gentleman of an ele- gant nppearonco alighted and accosting he^ THE BOARDING ICIIOOL. 65 politely, cxprcBBcd his Eurpriso nt finding lier go fur from home without an attendant. She found it was Florio, with whom she had a slight acquaintance, having once met with him in conipany. She frankly owned her motive for walking thus fur; and refused his invitation to return in his carriage. lie renewed his re- quest; and his importunity, seconded hy her fatigue, at last prevailed. At this moment the detracting Lavina passed by. Sbo siw Eudocia, and with a sneering smile, wished her a good night. Eudocia was unconscious of fault, and therefore fearless of censure. ]iut the artful Florio, desirous of protracting [^ the pleasure of her company, took a circuit- ous route, which considerably increased the distance to her father's nousc. However, he conveyed her safely homo, though not so soon I as she wished. She found that Leontino had I been there, and had gone to visit a friend; but would soon return. Leontino was just scotod at his friend's, when Lavina entered. '^She told the circle, that Florio Iiad just passed her, and that he had company she little expected to see with him. They inquired if it was his former mistress? No, said she, ho discarded her some time ago, and if wo may judge by appearances, has chosen a new one. Upon bemg asked who, she presumed to name Eudocia. Every countenance ex- j pressed surprise and regret. In Leontine'^i rage and retcntmcot were visibly depicted. )1« roiOi and stepping hastily to Lavina, told 6* vv TM* BOARDING 1CH00L« her be was a party concerned^ and demanded an explanation of what she had insinuated. She porcoived that she had given offence, and endeavored to excuse herself; but ho reso- lutely told her that no evasions would avail; that he insisted on the real truth of her scan- dalous report. Finding him thus determined, she related the simple fact of seeing Eudocia in a carriage witii Florio, who was a known libertine, and accustomed to the society of loose women. Lcontir.o asked her how she came to associate the ideas she had mentioned with Eudocia's name? She replied that the lightness of her behavior had sometimes ren- dered her censurable; and she thought this in- stance, in particular, authorised suspicion. Lcontine could not deny that she was culpable in appearance; yet made answer, that though scandal might feast on the failings of virtue, ho believed Eudocia^s innocence much purer, and her heart much better than her detractors'; and taking his hat, ho wished the company a gocd evening, and left them. << His passions, were on fire. He could not comprehend tho mysterious conduct of Eudo- cia. Ilcr absence from homo, at a time when ho expected her to receive him, and her being seen at a distance in company with a professed debauchee, were a labyrinth which ho could not explore. Though he doubted not Eudo- cift's honor, yet her folly and imprudence, in subjecting her character to suspicion and re- proach, ho thought unpardonable. His resent- TllE DOARDINO SCHOOL. 67 mont dotorminod him to brook tho proposed connexion immodiatcly ; and, lost his love should got tho bettor of his resolution^ ho went directly to tho house. " As ho could not command his temper, he appeared extremely agitated, and angrily told Kudociathat she had caused him groat uneasi- ness ; and that ho camo to claim tho satisfac- tion of knowing, why sho had avoided his society, and made an assignation with a man who had involved her in mfamy ? Eudocia was astonished and justly ofTcndod at this ad- dress. With all tho dignity of conscious inno- cence, sho replied, that as yet he had no right y to challenge an account of her conduct ; but ' for her own sako, sho would condescend to give it. This sho did by a faithful and undis- guised relation of facts. Sho then asked him if he was satisfied. Ho answered, No. For, said he, though you havo cleared yourself of guilt, in my apprehension, you will fmd it vory diflicult to free your character from tho blem- ish it hasroceivod in the opinion of tho world, Sa)'ing this ho told hor, that howover highly he esteemed her, so opposite were their dispo- sitions, that they must oflen bo at variance ; and so nico was his sense of honor, that his wife liko Co^sar'i must not only bo virtuous, ^ but unsuspected. Sho rejoined, that his sen- timents wero apparent ; and if what ho then cxpresfe:ed wero hit opinion of hcri it wai best ' they should part. ** Some fiirihor oonvorsation passod; when €8 Tni ROAIiDINO ICIIOOL. I promlilng to call, th9 next dny, and aatltf/ tier parcnti^ and wishing Eudoola all poiiiblo hap* p'mesi in life, he took his leave. ^*The impropriety of her conduct^ and her losing the afToctions of a man she too ardently loved) together with the cruel treatment she had juflt received from him, ovorwhohnod her with grief| and produced tlie moMt violent emo- tions of rogret. She walked her room in nil the anguish of disappointed hope. Ilor paronts UBed every argument to soothe and console her, but in vain. '< Sho yielded to their persuasions so far as to retire to bod ; but rest sho found not ; and [ | the morning presented her in a burning fever. ^J Leontine called in the course of the day ; but | the friends of Eudocia refused to see him. An -I account of her disorder had roused him to a y sense of his rashness, and he begged to be admitted to her chamber ; but this she utterly denied. " Ilcr fever led her ; but the disease of her mind was beyond the power of medicine. A settled melancholy still remains ; and sho lives the victim of calumniation ! '< To detract from tho merit of others, besido the want of politeness which it betrays, and beside the injuries which it always occasions, is extremely impolitic. It is to confess your in- feriority, and to acknowledge a wish not to rise to greater respectability ; but to bring down those about you to your own level ! Ill-natured remarks are the genuine offspring of an envi" ous and grovelling mind. THE DO\RDINa SCHOOL. C9 " Call yoursolvcsto a sovcro account, thoro- foro, whonovor you have been guilty of this degrading offence ; and always check the first impulses towards it. ** Accustom yourselves to the cxcrciso of sincerity, benevolence and good humor, those <*ndoaring virtues, which will render you be- !ovcd and respected by all. " To bestow your attention in company, upon trifling singularities in the dross, person, or mnnnors of others, is spending your time to little purpose. From such a practice you can derive neither pleasure nor profit ; but must unavoidably subject yourselves to the imputa- tion of incivility and malice." Thursdayy P. Jtf. AMUSEMENTS. ** Amusement is impatiently desired, and\ eagerly sought by young ladies in general. / Forgetful that the noblest entertainment arises from a placid and well cultivated mind, too muny (iy from themselves, from thought and rcilection, to fashionable dissipation, or what / they call pleasure, as a mean of beguiling the hours which solitude and retirement render in- supportably tedious. /J ,... • 70 TRB BOARDING SCHOOL. / ** An extravagant fondness for company and ^public resorts is incompatible with those domes- tic duties^ the faithful aischarge of ^ hich ought to be the prevailing object of the sex. In the ^ indulgence of this disposition, the mind is ener- vated, and the manners corrupted, till all relish for those enjoyments, which being simple I And natural, are best calculated to promote 1 healthy innocence^ and social delight, is totally ^^ lost. << It is by no means amiss for youth to seek relaxation from severer cares and labors, in a participation of diversions, suited to their age, fiex, and station in life. /But there is grtut | danger of their lively imaginations' hurrying | ihem into excess, and detaching their oflections t| from the ennobling acquisitions of moral im- a provement, and refined delicacy. Guard, then R against those amusements wHich havo the least tendency to sully the purity of your minds. « Loose and immoral books ; compony, whoso manners arc licentious, however gny and fashionable ; conversation which is even tinctured with profoncncss or obscenity ; plays I in which the representation is immodest, and / offensive to the ear of chastity ; indeed, pas- i times of every description, from which no ad- yantoge can be derived, should not be counto- nanced ; much less applauded, ^\hy should thoso things afford apparent satisfaction in n fcrowd which would call forth the blush of in- l^dignation in more private circles ? This qucs- THE SOARDING SCHOOL. 11 tlon 13 worthy the serious attention of those ladies, who at the theatre, C5\n hardly restrain^ their approbation of expressions and actionS| which at their houses, would bo intolerably rude and indecent, in their most familiar friends ! << Cards are so much the taste of the present day, that to caution my pupils against the too frequent uso of them may be thought old fash- ioned in the extreme. I believe it, however, to bo a fascinating game, which occupies the time, wilhouf yielding any kind of pleasure / or profit. As the satirist humorpusly ob« serves, ** The lovo of framing is tho worst of ills; With coasoleos storms tho blackenM soul it fills ; Invoi^hs at Heaven, noglocts tho tios of blood} Dnstroyn the power and will of doing good ; Kilts hnnlth, pawns honor, plunges in disgrace ; And, what is still more dreadful— spoils your facet** " One thing at least is certain ; it entirely excludes all rational conversation. That de- lighttul interchange of sentiment, which the social meeting of friends is calculated to afford nnd from which many advantages might be de- rived, is utterly excluded. ** Reading, writing, drawing, needle-work, dancing, music, walking, riding, and conversa* tion are amusements well adapted to yield pleasure and utility. From either of these, within proper bounds, there is no danger of in- jury to tho person or mind ; though to render even our divcriiont agreeable, they must b« 72 THE BOARDING SOUOOL* Canjoved with moderation , and variously and pruaently conducted. Such as are peculiarly exhitarnting to tho spirits, however innocent in thcmsolvos, should bo more cautiously and spnrinply indulged. ^* nhcn once tho mind bocomos too much relaxed by dissipatinff pastimes, it is propor- tionably vitiated, ana negligent of those nice attentions to the rules of reserve and decorum which ought never to be suspended. Intoxica- ting 18 the full draught of pleasure to tho youth- ful mind ; and fatal aro the effocts of unre* stroined puKsions. ^^ " Flnvia was the daughter of n gentleman, ^ whoso political principles obliged him to leave his country at tho commencement of tho American revolution. At that time she was at nurso in a neighboring village ; between which and tho metropolis all communication being cut off, ho was reduced to the ncccKsi- sity of leaving her to tho mercy of those to whom she wus entrusted. Having received her iVom pecuniary motives only, they no sooner found thomHolvos dc^privedof the profitn of their labor and care, than they sought relief by an ap- plication to the town for her support. A weal- thy farmer in tho vicinity, who hod often seen 1^) been pleased with the dawning charms of Flavia, pitied her condition, and having no chil- dren of his own, resolved to sholter her from tho impending storm, till she could bo bettor provided for. At his house she was brought up in a homely, though comfortoblo manner. THE BOARDING SCHOOL. 73 The good man and Iiis wife wcro excessively J fond of her, and gave her every instruction i and advantage in their power, rlain truths *i were liberally inculcated, and every exertion made to give her a habit of industry and good nature, Flavia requited their kindness by an "^ obliging and cheerful, a docile and submissivo J deportment. As she advanced in years, sho ^ increased in beauty. Her amiable disposition rendered her beloved, and her personal accom- plishments made her admired by all the village swains. The approbating smilo of Flavia was the reward of their ^oils, and the favor of her hand in the rustic danco was emulously HOUght. ** In this slate, Flavia was happy. Health and innocence were now her portion ; nor had ambition as yet ta'ight her to sigh for plea- sure beyond the reach of her attainment. *^ Hut the arrival of her father, who had . been permitted to return, and re-possess tho estate which ho had abandoned, put a period to the simplicity and peace of Flavians mind. He sought and found her; and though sensi- ble of his obligations to her foster-parents for snatching her Irom want and distress, still ho could not prevail on himself to make so great a sacrifice to gratitude as they wished, by per- mitting his daughter to spend her days in ob- Acurity, Tho lively fancy of Flavia was al-^^ lured by the splendid promises and descrip« / tions of hor father; and she ri^adil/ consented \ 7 "^4 thi boardino school. to leave the (Viends of her childhood and youtir, and explore the walks of fashionable life. " Wncn she arrived in. town, what new scones opened upon the dazzled eyes of the admiring, and admired Flavin! " Wealth, with its attendant train of splen- did forms and ceremonies, courted her atten- tion, and every species of dissipating amuse- ment, sanctioned by the name of pleasure, be- guiled the hours and charmed the imagination of the noviciate. Each enchanting scene she f tainted to herself in the brightest colours; and »er inexperienced heart promised her happi- ness without allay. Flattery gave her a thou- sand charms which she was hitherto uncon- scious of possessing, and the obsequiousness of the gaudy train around raised her vanity to the highest pitch of arrogance and pride. J3c- hold Flnvia, now, launched into the whirlpool of fashionable folly Balls, plays, cards, and parties engross ovary portion of her time- " llor father saw, too late, the imprudence of his unbounded indulgence ; and his cgrc- gioue mistake, in so immediately reversing her mod of life, without first furnishing her mind \ with sutlicient knowledge and strength to rc- Ipol temptation. lie endeavored to regulalo and restrain her conduct; but in vain. She complained of this, as an abridgment of her liberty, and took advantage of his doating fond- ness to practise every excess. Involved in expenses (of which losses at play composed a considerable part) beyond her power to do* i THE DOARDINO SCnOOL. 76 fray, in this embarrassing dilcmnna, she was reduced to tho necessity of accopting tho i trcncherous ofTcr ofMariusto advance money p for tho support of her extravagance. Obligated ' by his apparent kindness, she could not refuso tho continuance of his ucquointance, till hit delusive arts had obtained tho reward he pro- posed to himself, in (he sucrinco of her honor. At len^'th she awoke to a trembling sense of 4icr guilt, nnd found it fatal to her pcac0| repu- tation, and happiness. ♦< Wretched riavia! no art could conceal thy shame! Tho grief of her UMnd, her ro- tirement from company, and the alteration in her appearance, betrayed her to her father's observation. Highly incensed at tho ingrati- tude and baseness of her conduct, ho refused to turgive her; but sent her from the ensnaring pleasures of tho town, to languish out tho re- mainder of life in solitude and obscurity.'' Friday y A M. FILIAL AND FRATERNAL AFFECTION. '' The fdial and fraternal are tho (irst duties of a single state. The obligations you aro under to your parents cannot be dischargedi t6 * THI BOAHDIZfO lOnOOL. but bjr a uniform and choorful obcdionco; an unrotforved and ready conoplianco with their wishofl, added to the most diligent attention to their paflo and happiness. The virtuous and af- foctioHnto behaviour ofchildron U tho best com- ponsationi in their power, for that unwearied cnro and solicitude which parout^, only, know. ^Upondauchters, whoso situation and omploy- monts load them moro fronuontly into scenes^ of domestic tenderness; who arc of\cn called to smooth tho pillow of sick and ngcd parents, and to adminlBtor with a skilful and dolicatc hand tho cordial, restorative to decaying na- ture, and endearing sensibility, and a dutiful acquiescence in tho dispositions, and oven pe- culiarities of tlioso from whom they have do- rived existence, nro indispensably incumbent. \ " Such a conduct will yield a satisfaction of^ mind moro than equivalent to any little sacri- fices of inclination or humour which may bo required at your hands. " Pope, among all his admired poetry, has not six lines moro beautifully expressive than tho following: '* MOf let tho ptous ofHco lon(|^ onj^ag^t To rock the crodlo of decUnini; ago ; With loniont artti extend a mother*! breath, Make languor imilo, and smooth tho bod of death ; Explore tho thought, explain tho asking oye, Aud keep awhile one parent from the sky !** " Next in rank and importance to filial pie- ty, is fraternal love. This is a natural ofitc- tiaa which you cannot too assiduously culti- Tna DOARDXTca icuool. 77 vato. IIow dcli<;htrul to sco children of tho puino family dwell topcther in iinity ; protno» ling each other's wellure, nnd emulous only to excel in nctfi of kindnons and f;ood will. Be- tween brodiors nnd sintern tho connexion \4 equally intimato nnd ondonring. j Thoro i< utich n union of intorostii, nnd f«uch an undi- viilcd pnrlioipntion of enjoyments, that every scn?«il>ln nnd fooling mind muHt vnluo the bless- in;!;'* of family fi'icnd?»hi|> and peace. •* Strive, thorcforo, my dear pupils, to pro- mote thcMu, as ohjocis which dusorvo your ynrliculur ultuntion ; fin attainments which will not fiiil richly to reward your lahour, <^ Pr\i(l(*lia, hoMido other nmiuhio endow- nionts of perMon und mind, poMMos^ed tho most livoly sonsihility, and ardent nllbctions. ** The reconuncndulionsof her parents, uni- ted to her own wishes, had induced her to giva her hand to Clodius, a gentleman of distin- guished merit. lie was a fo_rcigner ; and his business required his return to his native coun- try. ^^ Prudelia bid a reluctant adieu to her friends, und embarked with him. She lived in atlluonco, and was admired and caressed by nil that know her, while a lovely family was ri^iing around her. Yet theso pleasing cir- cumstances and prospects could not extinguish or alionato that alToction, which still glowed in her breast for tho natural guardians and companions of her childhood and youth. ** With tho doopost adliction the hf ard thQ 8« ^gjfllllgt/ilggiltfgg^^ 78 TRt BOARDING ICBOOt. newa of her father's death, and the embarrass- ed situation in which he had Icfl his affairs. She was impatient to console her widowed mother, and to minister to hor necessities. For these purposes, she prevailed on her hus« band to consent that she should visit her, though it was impossible for him to attend her. >Vith all the transport of dutiful zeal, she flew to the arms of her bereaved parent. But how great was her astonishment and grief, when told that her only sister had been deluded by an affluent villain, and by his insidious arts, seduced from her duty, her honor, and her home! The emotions of pity, indignation, re- gret, and affection, overwhelmed her, at first; but recollecting herself, and exerting all her fortitude, sho nobly resolved, if possible, to snatch the guilty, yet beloved Myra, from ruin, rather than revenge her injured family by abandoning her to the infamy she deserved. To this intent she wrote her a pathetic letter, lamenting hor elopement, but entreating her, notwithstanding, to return and receive her fraternal embrace. Kut Myra, conscious of her crime, and unworthiness of her sister's condescension and kindness, and above all, dreading the superiority of her virtue, refused the generous mvitation. Frudelia was not thus to be vanquished in her benevolent un- dertaking. She even followed her to her lodg- ings, and insisted on an interview., Here sho painted, in the most lively colours, the hcin- ousness of her offence, and the ignominy and TUB DOARDINO ICIIOOL. 79 wretchedness that awaited her. Ilor affection allured, her reasoning convinced her back- slidinjif sister. Upon the promise of forgive- ness from her mother, Myra consented to leave her infamous paramour^ and retrace the paths of rectitude and virtue. <*llcr seducer was absent on a journey. She, therefore, wroto him a farewell lottofi couclicd in terms of sincere penitence for her transgression, and determined resolution of amcndiDont in future, and left the house. Thus restored and reconciled to her friends, Myra appeared in quite another character. ** Prudeliu tarried with her mother till sho had adjusted her affairs, and seen her com- fortably settled and provided for. Then taking hot reclaimed sister with her, sl^p^returned to her anxiously expecting family. The upright- ness and modesty of Myra's conduct, ever af- ter, rendered her universally esteemed, though the painful consciousness of her defection was never extinguished in her own bosom. '^ A constant senso of her past misconduct depressed her spirits, and cast a gloom over her mind ; yet she was virtuous, though pen- sive, during the remainder of her life. ^' With this, and other salutary effects in view, how necessary, how important are filial and fVatornal affection I" €0 TUB B0AIU)I50 8CU00L. Frirfay, P. Jtf. FRIENDSHIP. << FRiBXDRiiiris a torm much iniittod on hy young peoplo ; but, like many othom more Iroquontly used tlmn understood. A friond, with girls in general, is on intimate acquaint- once, whoso taste and pleasures are similor to their own ; who will encourage, or at least connive at their foibles and faults, and com- municate with them Q\cry secret ; in particu- lar those of love and gallantry, in which thoso of the other sex are concerned. By such friends their <jrror9 and stratugeins are flatter- ed and concealed, while the prudent odvicoof real friendship is neglected, till they find too late, how fictitious a character, nui how vain ytt dependence they have chosen. " Augusta and Serena were educated at the same school, resided in the same neighborhood, and were equally volatile in their tempers, and dissipated in their manners. Hence every plan of amusement was concerted and enjoy- ed together. At the play, the ball, the cord- table and every other party of pleasure, they were companions. *< Their norents sow that this intimacy etrcngthenea the follies of each ; and Ttrovo TUB DOARDINO IGIIOOL. 81 to diiacnpngo their aHcctions, that thoy mipht turn thoir nttrntion to more rntlonnl chtortain- incntH) nnd rnoro judicious odviHurs. But ihvy gloried in their fricndiship, and thought it a substitute for every other virtue. They were the dupes of adulation, and the votorioi V ofcncjuotry. -^ <*Tiio attentions of a libertine, instead of^ putting them on their guard nguinst encroach- / r nicnts, induced them to triumph in their fan- \ »' cicd conquests, and to boast of resolution ) suftlcient to shield thcn^ from delusion. ^ ^ [" Love, however, which with such disposi- I tions, is the pretty play-thing of imagination, 3 assailed tho tender heart of Serena. A gay 1 youth, with more wit than sense, more show " than substance, more art than honesty, took advantage of her weakness to ingratiate him- self into her favour, and persuade her they could not live without each other. Augusta t was tho confident of Serena. She fanned tho flame, and encouraged her resolution of pro- moting her own felicity, though at tho expense of every other duty. Her parents suspected her amour, remonstrated against the man, and forbade her forming any connexion with him,on pain of their displeasure. She apparently ac- quiesced ; but ilew to Augusta for counsel and relief. Augusta soothed her anxiety, and promised to assist her in the accomplishment of all her wishes. [She accordingly contrived means for a clandestme lotercoursei both per- sonal and epistolary.) ^,^mm Sa TUB BOARDINO fCHOOt. ** Aristua was a foroignor, and arowed his purpose of returning to his native country, ur- ging her to accompany him. Serena nad a . fortune, independent of her parents, left her 7 by a deceased relation. This, with her hand, f she consented to give to her lorer, and to quit | a country, in which she acknowledged but one friend. Augusta praised her fortitude, and favored her design. She accordingly eloped, I and embarked, llcr parents were almost \ distracted by her imprudent and undutiful con- I duct, and their resentment fell on Augu8ta,who hud acted contrary to all the dictates of intcg- | rity and friendship, in contributing to her ruin; for ruin it proved. Ilor ungrateful paramour, having rioted on the property which she bc- BtQwed, abandoned her to want and despair. She wrote to her parents, but received no an- swer. She represented her case to Augusta, c and implored relief from her friendship ; but f Augusta alleged that she had already incurred ) the displeasure of her family on her account • and chose not again to subject herself to cen- sure by the same means. ' ** Serena at length returned to her native i shore, and applied in person to Augusta, who 1 cooly told her that she wished no intercourso t with a vagabond, and then retired. Her pa- | rents refused ta receive her into their house . ^ but from motives of compassion and chority, [: granted her a small annuity, barely suflicicnt | to keep her and her infant from want. I *^ Too late she discovered her noistukeo no- f THE DOARDINO ^CHOO]:.. 83 tions of friendship ; and learned by sad expe- rience, that virtue must bo its foundation, or I sincerity and constancy can novcr bo its rc- i ward, — «iv ^l^incerj^ on^xonstancy are essential in- grcdicntsTn virtuouslilT^Hdship. It invariably seeks the permanent good of its object ; and in so doing, will advise, caution and reprove, with all the frankness of undissembled aflcc- tion. In the inter changeof genuine friendship, flattery is utterly excluded. Yet, oven in tho most intinmto connexions of this kind, a proper degree of respect, attention and politeness must be observed. You are not so far to pre- sume on tho partiality of friendship, as to haz- ard giving oHcnce, and wounding tho feelings of persons, merely because you think their re- gard for you will plead your excuse, and pro- cure your pardon. Equally cautious should you bo, of taking uiry!)rago at circumstances which are undesignedly ollcnsive. ^* Hear tho excellent advico of tho wise 8oa of Sirach, upon this subject : ** ^dmonish th y friend ; it may bo ho hath not done it ; and if he have done it, that ho do it no more. Admonish thy friend ; it may bo ho hath not said it ; and if he have, that he speak it not again. Admonish thy friend ; for many times it is a slander ; and belieyo not every talo. Thero is ono that slippoth in his speech, but not from his heart ; and who is ho that offondeth Dot with his tongue?" 84 THB BOAaDINO •OUOQI.. A <* Be not hasty in forming friendahipa ; but > doliboratol/ oxomino tlio nrinciploHydisposition, tompor nnd manncriiy of tlio pomon you winli to , ' iUNtain thin important churtictor. ho woll oh- \ surod that thay aro ngrooablo to your own, ^ and such as morityour ontiro ostoom and con- flduncoi boforo you donomumto hor your friend. You may huvo many guaerul acquain- tances, with whomyuu uro j)l<M\«ed and oiitor- tain()d ; but in tho chain ot fi-iondnhip thoro is a still closor link. •* Uoiorvo win wound It, and tlintrunl deitroy, Dolilinrbtu uii nil ^Ulu^^* willi thy iVitjud \ llui linco fiioiidg ^fuw not thick on ovory bough Nor ov*ry fViond uniolion iit tho rorr, Fii'Ht on thy IHnmi, dnlihnrixto wilii thyNolfi PiuHo, nomhtr, tir<4tt nutuiiL'ur in (hu ohuio9» Not* juuiiiUN ofthu nhotjun t iixuti|lU : \ Judgo bcfuro niondMhip : thon conlido till douth.** ^< Hut if you Would havo friond^, you must i show yoursolvoa friendly; that is, you must [ bo careful to act tho part you wish from ^ onothor. Jf your friuud have faults, mildly and tondurly rcprcsotit thorn to hor ; but con- coal thorn ati much os^posiMiblo from tho obsor- vationoftho world. Kndnuvor to convince her of hor orrors, to r^ctity hor mi^takos, and to condrm and increase every virtuous sonti- meitt. << Should she so fur deviate, as to endanger ' hor reputation and happiness; and should your admonitions fail to rcjcluim hor, bocomo not, ■ like Augusta, an abettor of hor crimes. It is not tho part of friendship to hide transactions THE DOARDINO SCHOOL. "" 85 which will end in the ruin of your friend. Unthcr acquaint thoso who oufrht to havo tho rule over her of hor intended minstcpfl, ond you will have discharged your duty; you will merit, and very probably may allorwarda ro- ceivu hor thanks. " Narcissa and Florinda woro united in tho bonds of true and pcnorous friendship. Nar- cissa was called to spend a few montns with a relation in tho tnotropolis, where sho becamo ocquaintcd with, and attached to a man who was much her inferior ; but whoso specious manners and appearance deceived her youth- ful heart, though her reason and judgment in- formed her, that her parents would disapprove, tho connexion. She returned home, the con- sciousness of her fault, tho frankness which sho owed to her friend, and hor partiality to her lover, wrought powerfully upon hor mmd, and rendered hor melancholy. Florinda soon ex- plored tho cause, and warndy rcmouMtratod ngninst Jior iinprudenco in holding a monient*fl intercourse with a mon, whom she know,would be displeasing to hor parents. Sho searched out his character, and found it fnr inadequate to Narcissa's merit. This sho represented to her in its true colours, and conjured hor not tosncrifico hor reputation, hor duty and hor happiness, by encouraging his addresses ; but to no purpose were hor expostulations. Nar- CMMa avowed tho design of permitting him to solicit the consent of her parents, and the de- termination of marrying kim without it, if they refused. 8 K.iwiwmwu i Wi ll i - I UMW I W1 I HI II iiii m I I I I I J II \immmmm iiiiiliii THB BaAXlDINO fCHOCML.^ 'Tlorlnda wati alarmed at this r^iolutioil ; d| with painful anxiety, saw the danger of r friend. She told her plainly, that the re- rd she had for her demanded a counterac-* n of her design ; and that if she found no tier way of preventing ita execution, she ould discharge her duty by informing her rents of her proceedings. This Narciwsa re^ ntcd, and immediately withdrew her confi- nce and familiarity ; but the faithful Flo- ida neglected not the watchful solicitude of cndship ; and when she perceived that Nar- Bsa's family were resolutely opposed to her ojcctcd match and that Narcis.'?a was prcpar- g to put her rash purpose into execution, sho ude known the plan which she had concerted id by that mean prevented her destruction, arcissa thought herself greatly injured, and 3clared that she would never forgive so fla- rant a breach of fidelity. Florinda cndcav- jred to convince her of her good intentions, id the real kindness of her motives ; but sho jfused to hear the voice of wisdom, till a sop- ration from her lover, and a full proof of his nworthiness opened her eyes to a sight of her wn folly and indiscretion, and to a lively 3nse of^^Florinda^s friendship, in saving her om ruin without her consent. Her heart verflowed with gratitude to her generous reserver. She acknowledged herself indcbt- d to Florinda's benevolence, for deliverance THE DOARDINO BCIIOOL. 87 :id over after lived in tho strictoit amity with cr raitliful bonofactrosi." Saturday ^ A* Jf. LOVE. ^* TiiE hi<;licst state of friendship which thiti vn/, lib udmits, is in the conjugal relation. On ■- his refined aUbction, love, which in but a nioro interesting and tender kind of friendship, ought t(» be founded. Tho same virtues, the same <!isposiiions and (|Uttlities which arc nc'ceBsary Ml u friend, are still more requisite in a com- panion for life. And when these enlivening ]>rinciples are united, tliey form tho basis of (iurable happiness. But let not tho mask of tVicndship, or of love, deceive you. You aro ao>v entering upon a new stago of oction where you will probably admire, and bo ad- niired. You may attract tho notice of many, who will select you as objects of adulation, to <ii3cover their tasto and gallantry ; and per- haps of somo whose aQcctions you have really and seriously engaged. The first class your penetration will enable you to detect ; and ' your good sense and virtue will lead you to / ireat them witb tbe neglect tbey deserve. It ^