NUMBER XXII. ON FRIVOLOUS ECCENTRICITIES. With friendly hand I hold the glass I made it not, but would amend. OH! these Sabbatical Papers! they tire me to death," exclaimed Frivola, as she yawned over the last page of the last number. "One might as well read a chapter in the Bible, or one of Blair's Sermons! It's truly ridiculous, methinks, to jumble things together in this way. And yet, upon reflection, it may have its good effects too; for those who are not fond of going to church, may sometimes learn a good lesson at the theatre! Well-better there than nowhere. So these moralizing authors may do some good, after all." Right, Frivola, they may so; for those who are not inclined to study the sacred volume, or to listen to the precepts of their Pastor, may, perchance, be brought to a sense of their duties, as T they wander through the profane pages of romance, or the more sublime theory of the moralist. In order, however, to gratify the different tastes of different readers, and to amuse the young and thoughtless, as well as the more sedate, the following little histories, savoring of romance, are introduced. And yet, not only for amusementprofit may also be derived from the records of a pen, let it be recollected, uncontaminated with fiction. As an introduction to these biographical sketches, it may not be amiss to give the outlines of Frivola's leading features. She is tinctured with eccentricities, and piques herself upon her oddities. Those who are not inclined to partake of the simple fare prepared for youth, or who do not feel a relish for what is placed before them, need not, however, retire too hastily with discontent upon their brow. Variety is at hand, and every guest is at liberty to turn aside in search of something better suited to his taste; though the provision, it must be confessed, is but plain and homely; still it is wholesome, genuine, and liberally supplied. Should any of the company feel dissatisfied with their dessert, let them recollect that it is furnished at their own expense, and consequently all reproach on that score, must fall upon themselves. By the will of an affectionate, though imprudent parent, Frivola was put in possession of a fortune at the early age of eighteen, that enabled her to indulge in all her eccentricities without the least a control. She possessed an extraordinary flow of spirits, and a levity of manners that needed a timely check; but being left to follow her own inclination, she pursued her silly propensities without reserve, and indulged in all the caprices of a spoiled child. Tired of rural walks, purling streams, and the sweet melody of the feathered choristers; she was determined, she said, to visit the metropolis, as soon as she became her own mistress. Accordingly, she soon took leave of her country cousins, and journeyed up to town with her Guardian, to be put in possession of her property; and then, to use her own expression, "to see a little of life without being subject to the control of age, or the rules of formality." On her arrival in town, she was set down, with visible marks of discontent on her countenance, at the door of her Aunt Agatha ; for, had she not paid her the first visit, no apology afterwards could have atoned for so flattering a mark of respect being withheld from her venerable relative. Luckily, however, her Aunt was on the eve of departure from town, to visit an ancient maiden, her bosom friend, with whom she was going to spend a few quiet months, in social converse; "or I," said her Niece, "should, in all probability, have been cooped up for a month or two, in order to repair a lace cloak, or to darn some abominable rent in a fine muslin gown," jobs naturally hoarded up for Nieces, in days of old. they wander through the profane pages of romance, or the more sublime theory of the moralist. In order, however, to gratify the different tastes of different readers, and to amuse the young and thoughtless, as well as the more sedate, the following little histories, savoring of romance, are introduced. And yet, not only for amusementprofit may also be derived from the records of a pen, let it be recollected, uncontaminated with fiction. As an introduction to these biographical sketches, it may not be amiss to give the outlines of Frivola's leading features. She is tinctured with eccentricities, and piques herself upon her oddities. Those who are not inclined to partake of the simple fare prepared for youth, or who do not feel a relish for what is placed before them, need not, however, retire too hastily with discontent upon their brow. Variety is at hand, and every guest is at liberty to turn aside in search of something better suited to his taste; though the provision, it must be confessed, is but plain and homely; still it is wholesome, genuine, and liberally supplied. Should any of the company feel dissatisfied with their dessert, let them recollect that it is furnished at their own expense, and consequently all reproach on that score, must fall upon themselves. By the will of an affectionate, though imprudent parent, Frivola was put in possession of a fortune at the early age of eighteen, that enabled her to indulge in all her eccentricities without the least control. She possessed an extraordinary flow of spirits, and a levity of manners that needed a timely check; but being left to follow her own inclination, she pursued her silly propensities without reserve, and indulged in all the caprices of a spoiled child. Tired of rural walks, purling streams, and the sweet melody of the feathered choristers; she was determined, she said, to visit the metropolis, as soon as she became her own mistress. Accordingly, she soon took leave of her country cousins, and journeyed up to town with her Guardian, to be put in possession of her property; and then, to use her own expression, "to see a little of life without being subject to the control of age, or the rules of formality." On her arrival in town, she was set down, with visible marks of discontent on her countenance, at the door of her Aunt Agatha ; for, had she not paid her the first visit, no apology afterwards could have atoned for so flattering a mark of respect being withheld from her venerable relative. Luckily, however, her Aunt was on the eve of departure from town, to visit an ancient maiden, her bosom friend, with whom she was going to spend a few quiet months, in social converse; "or I," said her Niece, "should, in all probability, have been cooped up for a month or two, in order to repair a lace cloak, or to darn some abominable rent in a fine muslin gown," jobs naturally hoarded up for Nieces, in days of old. |