The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-03-23
SPANISH WOMEN.

The Spanish women are very interesting
What we associate with the idea of female beau
ty, is not perhaps very common in this country.
There are seldom those seraphic countenances
which strike you dumb or blind, but faces in
abundance which will never pass without com
handing admiration. Their charms consist
in their sensibility Each incident, every per
son, every word, touches the fancy of Span
ish lady, and her expressive features are con-
stanty confuting the creed of the Musseman
but there is nothing quick, harsh, or forced about
her. She is extremely unaffected and not at all
French. Her eyes CLEAN rather than sparkle
she speaks with vivacty, but in sweet tones
and there is in all her carriage, particularly when
She walks, certain dignifed grace which never
deserts her, and which is very remarkable.
The general female dress in Spain is Of black
silk, called basguini, and black silk shawl,
with which they usually envelop their heads,
called mdntiiid. As they walk along in this
costume in an evening, with their soft, dark
ewes dangerously conspicuous, you willingly be-
lieve in their universal charms. They are re-
markable for the beauty of their hair. OF this
they are very proud, and indeed its luxuriance is
only equalled by the attention which they lavish
on its culture. have seen young girl Of four
teen whose hair reached her feet, and was as
glossy as the curl Of a countessa. All day long
even the lowest order are brushing, curling, and
arranging it. A fruit woman has her hair dress
ed with as much care as the duchess of Ossuna.
In the summer they do not wear their mantila
over their heads but show their combs, which
are of very great size. The fashion of these
combs varies constantly. Every two or three
months you may observe new form. 1t is the
part of the costume of which Spanish woman
is most proud. The moment new comb APP
pears, even servant girl will run to the meters
with her old one, and thus, with the cost OF a
dollar or two, appear the next holiday in the
newest STYLE These combs are worn at the
back of the head. They are of tortoise shell,
and with the very fashionable they are white
sat next to lady Of high distinction at bull
fight at Seville. She was the daughter in-law
Of the captain-general of the province, and the
most beautiful Spaniard ever met. Her comb
was white, and she wore mantilla of blonde,
without doubt extremely valuable, for il was
very dirty The effect, however, was charming
Her hair was glossy black, her eyes like an ante.
lopes and all her other features deliciously soft
She was further adorned which is rare in Spain
with rosy cheek, for in Spain our heroines are
rather sallow but they counteract this slight
defect by never appearing till twilight, which
calls them from their bowers, fresh, though Ian
guild, from the late siesta.
The only fault of the Spanish beauty is, tina,
she too soon INDUCES in the magnifcence Of
embonpoint There are however many excep-
tons. At seventeen, Spanish beauty is poeti-
cal Tall, 1.-THE, and clear, and graceful as q
jennet, who can withstand the summer light
ming of her soft and languid glance As she adj
vances, if she do not lose her shape. she resem-
bles Juno rather than Venus. Majestic she ever
is. and if her feet be less twinkling than in hei
first boero look on her hand, and you'll forgive
them ALL