A Hundred Years Ago
" THE SPECTATOR," JANUARY 12TH, 1833.
The news from Mexico is contradictory and uncertain. The Capital was still besieged by the troops of SANTA ANNA. Don Marrum. PEDRAZA, the new President, who has been politically banished for the last four years, had arrived at Vera Cruz, and issued a proclamation, full of the usual professions of healing the wounds inflicted by the war, " stilling the noise of war, that the voice of peace may be heard," Ate. This is in tho most approved style of the Mexican and South American chiefs ; who forthwith usually proceed to cut one another's throats with redoubled ardour.
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CRITHANNAH'S FABLES. THE Two Furs.
" Mother," said a young fly in great agitation, " you certainly are in error about the beauty of these persons who are so affronted with us whenever we touch them. I but just now settled on the cheek of a lady of high fashion which appeared to be smooth and natural : but Lord ! dear mother, I thought I should never get back to you again, for I stuck in this filthy rod mud; and with the greatest difficulty I got away z only look at my foot and legs ! If they thought them- selves so handsome as you say they do, I'm sure they would never cover their faces with such stuff as this ! "
MORAL.—Although we must admit that Fashion is powerful and arbitrary, yet, to the credit of human nature and good sense, Paint has never been general. With the exception of public performers. whorequire its aid, it is a ridiculous custom ; for, independently of its baneful-qualities, it is of no benefit—sometimes creating pity, some. times laughter. Does the addition, artfully laid on, cause the face to captivate t 'tis but a momentary gratification ; the mere compliment of being gazed at. If by such deception a declaration is hastened, the after-knowledge of the fact enrages the dupe, and ho becomes cold towards the possessor of such unstable charms. To neither father, mother, brother, sister, nor child, can it be pleasing z nor will a husband permit it. unless he is as sillily .vain as the wearer.
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