valued because discovered and not ob

truded. But

Beauty is nature's brag, and must be shewn
In courts, at feasts, and high solemnities,
Where most may wonder at the workmanship.*

There is yet a further objection to the ball-room, which is deserving of attention. It is a maxim of high authority, whose truth, moreover, is confirmed by daily observation, that "they that walk with wise men shall be wise." Designed for social existence, man is endowed with suitable properties. He possesses sympathy with his fellow-creatures; he notices, and unconsciously imitates them. His purposes are strengthened and confirmed, or enfeebled and restrained by their example. Insensibly he imbibes the principles and maxims of his associates, adopts their habits and practices, and receives for his character a complexion similar to their's.

* Milton's Mask of Comus.

In their relation to close and permanent intimacies, these remarks are obvious and trite; their correctness, in reference to more passing associations, is probably less apparent. Extraordinary sagacity, however, is not necessary for the discovery, that the example, not only of intimate friends, but also of transcient acquaintances, is, to a considerable extent, influential. How remote soever may be the assembly of a ball-room from a visitant's private acquaintance, he will by no means be removed beyond the reach of a powerful and important influence. The passing intercourse of a single evening, especially that of an assembly, or ball-room, where gaiety of heart, buoyancy of spirits, and the glowings of passion, render intercourse so full and unrestrained, is sufficient to give a complexion to the mind, and a tone to the feelings, neither transcient, nor trivial. The scene is harmonious, and the effect is unique. One spirit animates all. The example, whether good or evil, is imposing and authoritative;--sympathy is strong;

the feelings are softened and subdued; reason submits, and pleasure is the master-spirit of the scene. The tide, whatever be its destination, is strong and impetuous, and bears away, with irresistible impulse, the objects which float on its surface.

وو

It will not be difficult to show, that the moral influence of the associations which are formed in this amusement, is more than questionable. What is the prevailing character of a ball-room assembly? Does this place of fashionable resort present stronger attractions for the sedate, the sober, the virtuous, and the " wise,' or for the gay, the thoughtless, and the dissipated? What qualities of mind, and what class of feelings constitute the prevailing spirit of the amusement, the sway of whose sceptre is so extensive and imperative? Can it be either safe or lawful to enter within the sphere of its attractions, to submit to its fascinating spell, and to indulge in the luxurious languishment of its soft enchantments? Will the

candidate for wisdom's immortal rewards, here find companions to encourage, and competitors to stimulate his advances? Will he walk with "wise men," and thus become "wise?" If the converse of the sacred aphorism is true-if they that walk with those who are not wise, shall be themselves not wise, their conduct is justified and ought to be imitated, who avoid, as dangerous and unlawful, the amusements of the ball-room.

107

CHAPTER V.

NOVEL-READING.

Oh! leave novels, ye Mauchline belles!
Ye're safer at your spinning-wheel;
Such witching books are baited hooks
For rakish rooks, like Rob Mossgiel.
Your fine Tom Jones and Grandisons,
They make your youthful fancies reel;
They heat your brains, and fire your veins,
And then you're prey for Rob Mossgiel.

Burns.

THE influence of reading in the formation of character, is so invariably admitted and so frequently referred to, that it requires, on the present occasion, neither elaborate proof nor extended illustration. Next to the society in which he mingles, the books which he studies form the cast of every