Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-28
SINGULAR EFFECTS OF LOVE.

Nothing discovers more plainly that man was
created by nature social animal, than that
sympathetic affection between the sexes, SO uni
versally experienced, which we have called love.
This sensation differs from the mere sensual
appetite in many respects, and is generous
affection of the mind, which seeks its own gra-
ti6cation by promoting the happiness OF the be-
loved object, in every possible way. This is
one Of those instructive impressions, that have
been originally stamped upon the human mind.
By the bountilul Creator Of this universe, for
benefcent purposes, and is by no means Deepen
dent on re ason on the one hand, animal APP
petite On the other; for the reasoning faculty
NAV be strong, and the animal appetite violent,
where love, in the true meaning OF the term, is
scarcely felt 1t depends upon the tender fell
ings of the heart alone, which give rise to all
nnumerable variety of pleasures and Of pains,
that are totally beyond the reach OF reason 10
comprehend, and produces effects that never
could have been conceived possible, had reason
alone been to Judge.
Among the innumcrable caprices ofthls pow
erful afec tion Of the mind, the following is one
of the most singular have met with.
When Francis |. was made prisoner at Pa
via gentleman named Beauregard was one Of
those who were obliged 10 save themselves by
flight: he did not wish 10 return TO France dur
ing that period Of humiliating depression which
it experienced on that occasion and stopped at
Turin. There he soon became enamored Of
beautiful widow called Aurelia. Beauregard
was ALI accomplished gentleman: he had vigo-
rous mind and sound understanding; he was
young, and had figure and address that were
universally attractive. Aurelia, on her part
was equally engaging; she was one of those
striking beauties, beside whom others disap-
pear Beauregard became desperately in love
with her. Aurelia would not listen TO his suit
She reproached him with being Frenchman,
whose volatility and indiscrelion were notor-
Gus, TO proverb. Beauregerd assured her
that he was exempt from these failings, and
that he was capable of making the greatest
efforts to prove the sincerity of his love-
Well, then, said Aurelia, desire that you
remain mute for one year Beauregard spoke
TO her from that moment only by signs When
he returned home he only explained himselfby
signs to his servants. All the world believed
he had lost the power Of speech, and bewailed
his misfortune. The physicians who were
calledt to his assistance, prescribed medicines:
which he declined TO take. He went 10 see
Aurelia, but still explained himself by signs on
ly He often put his hand upon his heart, and
pointed 10 her fine eyes as the cause of his NAL
ady.-Aurela did not appear to be touched
her more. Mournfu he departed for France.
Francis Il having recovered his liberty. Beau
regard was known to him when he appeared at
court. Francis who esteemed him, sent his
own physicians to attend him; who prescribed
several remedies. He feigned 10 listen to
them, but he was not cured, empires began
TO offer their assistance; but he behaved 10 them
as he had done 10 his regular physicians, and
all their efforts were vain: At last stranger
lady arrived, who boosted of being possess
ed of powerful secrets in the medical art,
presented herself before Francis, as a wo-
man who had performed extraordinary cures,
who even had restored the dead to life, as
Moiere says. Her beauty surprised that mo-
march, who was by no means an enemy to beau
lifu women. He commanded Beauregard 10
be brought; who was no less struck than his
majesty at the sight Of this fail empiric. 'To
show, (said she 10 the king) the virtue which
possess, will effect The cure by single word