different climate, and which they are taught to believe inspires them with some sentiments or inclinations repugnant to their own, though perhaps without foundation. Whoever therefore, by example or precept, labours to keep these foolish animosities alive, in my opinion, deserves little thanks from the world, either for his wit, or good will to mankind.

Many writers have done all in their power to divide England against itself, and render county and county obnoxious to each other. The stage, which was designed as the school of morality, and by mingling pleasure with instruction to harmonize the mind, and inspire amity among men, has in some theatrical representations been most shamefully prostituted to ends the very reverse; and the Scottish, Irish, and Welsh nations have been too often held up to the most unjustifiable ridicule. The sarcasms vented here and elsewhere have often a poignancy in them, which cannot but be resented by those who have understanding enough to perceive when they are af fronted they likewise occasion heart burnings against those who encourage and seem to be pleased with the ridicule, which is utterly subversive of the cordiality and good will that ought to subsist between every community of a nation in order to maintain the happiness of the whole.

ESSAY 97.

MISCHIEVOUS EFFECTS OF

PREJUDICE.

(Female Spectator.)

IN a former Essay I mentioned some evils which are derived from prejudice; but I was led into a reflection on it by a late instance, which though in private life, deserves the attention of the public, because it may be a warning against instilling into youth principles which are not to be eradi cated in maturity.

A gentleman who had acquired a considerable fortune by merchandise, left a son twelve and a daughter five years of age. As the mother was likewise dead, the son was continued at Westminster school, by his guardians; and the daughter committed to the care of her mother's sister. This good lady was extremely fond of her young charge, and neglected nothing that might render her perfectly accomplished. The means allowed

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her for improvement were not thrown away: she had an excellent capacity, and took such delight in learning, that her progress far surpassed the expectations of her instructors. Her person was lovely, nature had bestowed upon her a thousand charms, and without being strikingly beautiful, there was something in her more attractive and agreeable than is often found in the most exquisite beauties.

It is not to be wondered that many should think so lovely and accomplished a woman worthy of their most serious addresses; but though she was early beset with admirers, she seemed little touched with all the fine things daily lavished on her charms.

Her brother, after having perfected himself in every thing deemed necessary for his education at home, was sent abroad to make himself acquainted with the customs and manners of other countries. After passing some time in France and Italy, he returned home an accomplished and complete gentleman. Sabina, for so I may call this young lady, was between nineteen and twenty when he came back to England. As they had not seen each other for above four years, each was charmed with the accom. plishments and good qualities of the other, and few brothers and sisters were ever united by a

more sincere affection.

They were always proud of being seen together. In the Mall, or any place, of public resort they were constant companions. On their return one night from the opera, as he was conducting her home according to his custom, he said laughing, "I believe, sister, "you have made a conquest. I perceived a "certain friend of mine, in the pit, who seemed

more engrossed by you than by any thing on "the stage." "I should be sorry," answered she in the same gay tone," that any of your friends "should have so bad a taste as to suffer any "thing to divert his attention from the delightful “music we have just heard."

Oh," resumed he, " music is an incentive to "love, and as he did not hear that of your voice "he might not lose what issued from the or"chestra, by fixing his eyes on your charms "during the whole evening, which I am sure

you must have noticed yourself, if you would "confess the truth." "It is so common" rejoined she, "for those in the pit to stare into the "boxes, that I should have found nothing parti"cular in what you tell me, had I really ob“served, which I unaffectedly assure you I did "not."

On this he rallied her a little on pretending to be absolutely free from the vanity which the men

impute to our sex; and she retorted with equal pleasantry on the foibles of mankind. This kind of chit-chat brought them to her door, where he took leave of her, being engaged to sup with some gentlemen at a tavern, and she went in; and it is likely thought no more of what had passed.

However, the friend he had mentioned happened to be one of the company with whom he was engaged. He was a gentleman of ancient family, of fine parts and education, and a graceful person, and was in possession of a large estate in Wales, of which he was a native. This gentleman, whose real name I shall conceal under that of Lewellin, was in effect much charmed with Sabina. Not knowing who she was, he complimented her brother on the pleasure he had in entertaining so freely the most agreeable woman in the world.

To this the brother replied in terms which shewed that the lady was his sister; and what he said being confirmed by another of the company, who was also at the opera, and had seen Sabina before, Lewellin resumed his usual gaiety, which had been a little disturbed by the consideration that he might find in the person of an intimate friend an impediment to that passion, which, though of recent date had already made a rapid