felt the full force of the justice done to the more liberal-minded among his countrymen, “But do?? continued he, "tell me candidly what you think the picture is worth??? T “Well sir, on the honor of a tradesman, then, I do assure you," returned he, as the matter stands, it would not fetch more than five (or ten guineas; whereas, if a name in any repute among the professed connoisseurs, were attached to it, executed in that style, it would in all probability sell for an hundred!!!?': Thus much for the judgment of professors, connoisseurs, and amateurs of the present day! It must be allowed, however, that a reputation established on good grounds, is a precious recommendation. But, it should likewise be remembered, that there must be a foundation whereon to raise a triumphal arch. Katharina, it was supposed, had laid this foundation to a nicety; but experience soon convinced her that it was not in the power of human skill or industry, without the aid of able supporters, to expect the least encouragement from the school of arts by talent alone. The Justly indignant, when the result of this interview was communicated to her, her noble spirit disdained the pitiful reward; thinking it as derogatory to the arts, as to her own deserts. picture in consequence remains in her possession, and helps, with many others of her performance, to ornament a neat little cottage, where the sciences, in sweet retirement, join hand in hand and flourish in obscurity. Thus are the efforts of modest genius damped and restrained by modern connoisseurs. The following anecdote, related of Professor Porson, who was often in pecuniary difficulties, is another sad instance of the neglect and mortification to which talent is so often fated: On one occasion he came with a dejected air to a friend, and said he had been walking through the streets of London the whole morning, thinking how strange it was, that not one of all the crowd he had met should know as much about Greek tragic verse as himself, and yet, that he could not turn his knowledge into a hundred pounds! NUMBER III. ON BENEFICENCE. While pity thus her virtuous aid employs, IN justice to the kind-hearted VIRGINIA, and the benevolent virtues of her soul, the tribute of praise, due to her disinterested conduct, should not be withheld. May the recital of her noble generosity stimulate others to a similar line of conduct. She had been the companion of Katharina's youthful days, had shared her vicissitudes in the meridian of life, and was now resolved to be the partner of her griefs and comforts in retirement. She had no debt of gratitude to pay-no selfish ends in view; attachment to her old friend, and the affection she felt for her children, alone instigated her to support them in their trials, and to testify the sincerity of her regard by her constancy. She dealt not in professions, but followed the dictates of a liberal and honest heart. Mark, then, the difference between words and actions. Virginia could weep with the unfortunate-be moved with compassion even for a brute in distress-and fly to the relief of pain wherever it came within her knowledge. Her feelings were manifested by actions, not by words. Without weeping aloud, she would dry up the tear of sorrow. No extravagant exclamations burst forth to denote her sympathy;-no hysterical affections were displayed to betoken her tenderness. Without talking of her sensibility, her christian virtues shone conspicuously. True Christianity softens the heart, directs the conduct, and shews itself in benevolence, charity, compassion, and all the relative duties of this life. The affectation of it displays itself in empty sounds and seldom produces a gracious act; though it fre'quently calls forth unmerited applause, from those who are led into a belief that the professing saint is all that he appears to be. And it is by no means uncommon, to see those who can pour forth a torrent of eloquence in declaring their inability to render a service at the critical moment, and make a reserve of a donation by attaching an if or a but to their unmeaning promises, gain more credit with half the world, than many whose honest sensibility propels them to acts of generosity without so much as letting the object of their concern suspect that they are moved. But superficial observers are too apt to suffer their understanding to be imposed upon by specious pretences, and to close their senses against unassuming virtues. Let it not be suspected, however, that Virginia's liberality was thus requited, when she withdrew herself from the busy world to be the solace of her friend in retirement. No;-Katharina's heart was in unison with her own, and she knew as well how to receive a benefit as Virginia did to bestow one. Without Virginia's friendship she would have been lost; for she not only shares her affections, but her whole fortune; by which means she has the satisfaction of seeing her daughters, as they grow in loveliness, improve in mind, and attain the most useful acquirements. Virginia assists in their education, and debars herself of many indulgencies, to contribute to their support and instruction. "I will do what I can for you, my friends, while I live," is her constant maxim, "and not cause you to rejoice at my death, by leaving you to enjoy that which I cannot take with me!" Thus she heaps upon them everlasting obligations, and keeps alive a warm affection; and will no doubt be rewarded in her old age, by the tender assiduities and grateful attentions of her amiable protegées ;—for she has not only given them her time, her counsels, and regard; but has increased their knowledge, added to their accomplishments, and, without making the least reserve against accidents or the infirmities of age in this life, consoles herself with doing the will of her heavenly Father, and heaping up treasures in heaven, when the riches of this world shall be lost in the general Ꭰ |