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 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. 
 
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 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 ^