The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1871-04-27

itivated,' and we fully In
tatement. All of US can cul-
she art of being pleasing; and by
oIng, we shall brighten the expires
sion of our faces. 1ll-health often pro-
duces ugliness, because it makes US cross,
and thus mars the face; but if we are i'll,
and still make the best of it, rise above
it, make mind triumphant over matter,
we can still retain our good looks. Very
few of us are truly beautiful, i. e., pos
sess statuesque forms or features; but we
can all cultivate the art of being agreeable,
and thus render ourselves "pretty" IN
many senses of the word.
Prettiness does not depend on hair,
eyes, complexion, hands, feet, or grace
full and statuesque figure. We often
meet a pretty woman" with large
mouth or small eyes, or an immense nose,
and vet are Immediately aware of her
attractiveness. We all recognize ''pretti-
ness" whenever we behold it, but it is
impossible for US to analyze or describe
it. 1t is like the sunshine, intangible,
but enlivening and Frightening every
thing about it.
What is beauty? Not the show
OF shapely limbs and features! No,
These are but flowers
That have their dated hours.
To breathe their momentary sweets.
Then go. It's the stainless soul within,
That outshines the fairest skin.
'Life becomes more harmonious, it
beats with keener pulse of enjoyment
in the presence of a pretty woman.
After all, charming little figure or a
piauant little face is the best remedy
for half the ills of existence, its worries,
its vexations, its dizziness, its disappoint-
ments, " thus declares a leading writer of
the day, but we must add, to this
charming figure and piquant face !"
must belong a soul at peace with God,
and not at variance with itself and man
kind, else we do not believe that they
| will work the charm which is attributed
to them. There is no denying the fact
that tasteful, pretty dresses is a great
assistance to prettiness. The adage,
that "sbeauty unadorned is adorned the
| most, is an exploded doctrine. We do
| not intend to say that rich dresses, vel
vets, satins, silks, and brocades are es-
sential to ''prettiness," but we do main
tain that tight fitting dress. of simple
material, with a plain collar, fastened
with bright ribbon or brooch, is essen
tial to good looks. Such dress throws
grace about its wearer, and makes a
pretty fashion prettier. Inharmonious
colors will ruin woman's appearance.
Ruskin declares that it is every wo-
mans duty to make herself handsome
that she can do it in great degree, and
that it should be part of her religion
She owes to her God to make most of
the material he has given her. BY this
he does not intend that her mine should
run upon subjects connected with her
personal appearance to its distraction
from things of more weight, but that by
cultivating a spirit of kindness and
good will to all, by avoiding all malice,
Observation-Disclosures envious jealousy, and
the mean, despicable thoughts which
engender bitter passions, women can
write upon their faces the graces which
sprung up at the foot of the Cross, and
have taken deep root in the human heart.
Beautiful faces they that wear
The light of the pleasant spirit there,
1t matters but little if dan or fair.
Beautiful hands are they that do
The work of the noble, good and true,
Busy for them the whole day through.