The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-01-09
ATTRACTIVE. THOUGH AGED.
Some Women Who Remain Fasci-
mating in the Decline OF Life.

Some Women Who Remain Fasci-
mating In the Decline of Life.
from the 81. Logis Post Dispatch.
History is full Of the accounts Of the fas-
cinations OF women who were no longer
young. Helen Of Troy was over 40 when
she perpetrated the most famous elopement
on record, and as the siege Of Troy lasted
decade, she coUld not have been very
juvenile when the ill-fortune Of Paris
restored her TO her husband. Strange as il
may seem, the long-sufferlng spouse re-
ceived the fair Helen, so says report, with
unquestioning love and gratitude.
Pericles welded the courtesan Aspasia
when she was 80. aud yet she afterward for
thirty years or more welded an undimin-
ished reputation for beauty.
The beautiful and fascinating serpent Of
old Nile, Cleopatra, In whose history every
woman is interested, was over so when
Antony fell under her spells, and which
never lessened until her death, ten years
aftsrward. Livia was So when she won the
heart OF Augustus, over whom she main
tanned her charm until the end.
Turning to modern history, where IL is
possible 10 verify dates more accurately,
there is the extraordinary De Poictiers, who
was SO when Henry Il-then Duke of Or
leans-at that time Just half her age, be-
came attached to and fascinated by her.
She was held as the first lady and most
beautiful woman at court uD to the period
Of the monarch's death and the accession of
Catharine of Medicis
Ann of Austria was IS when she was de-
scribed as the handsomest queen Of Europe
and when Buckingham and Richelieu were
her jealous admirers.
Ninon, the most celebrated wit and
beauty Of her day, was the idol Of three
generations of the golden youth of France;
aud hphl 11I Id Al. 4.
still cling to youth and emulate its charms,
Ninon was only ~ when the Able de Berais
fell in love with her. True it is in the case
Of this lady, rare combination of culture,
talents and personal attractiveness endowed
the possessor seemingly with the gifts OF
eternal youth.
Blanca Capella was SO when the Grand
Duke Franciscan Of Florence fell captive to
her charms and made her his wife, though
he was FIVE years her junior.
Louis XIV. welded Nine. de Maintenon
when she was 43 years of age. Catharine
III. OF Russia was SIS when she seized the
Empire of Russia and captivated the dash
ing Gen. Orloff. Up to the time of her
death-67-she seemed to have retained the
same bewitching powers, for the lamenta-
tions were heartfelt among all those who
had known her personally.
Nile. Mars, the French tragedienne, only
attained the zenith Of her beauty and power
between 40 and As. At that period the
loveliness of her hands ana arms especially
was celebrated throughout Europe The
famous Nine. Recamier was IS when Bar
ras was ouSted from power, and she, with
out dispute, was declared to be the most
beautiful woman in Europe, which rank
she held for fourteen years. Among
all the the examples given there is no
English woman. They were nearly all
French women who retained their beauty,
probably from their bright and lively dis
positions and vivacity Of manner.
few years ago a solid but charming
southern belle visited st. Louis and other
eastern and western cities She seemed dis
appointed at her reception, and said that
one thing struck her forcioly in the society
in western cities. 1t was composed mostly
of quite young girls, and woman over %
received little attention and was considered
pdSSe. She had had her day and must stand
aside. Now. the southern belle referred TO
was quite 80. and although It was known in
New Orleans and other cities where
she had lived and reigned
belle, it made no diff renee, SO long
as she was beautiful, fascinating and
youthful looking. RShrugging her statuesque
shoulders one evening, she said 81 am
SICK OF the discussions on age that hear in
the west. 1t is the first question that one
hears as soon as girls name is mentioned
How old Is sheP In the south a woman is
as old as she feels and looks, neither more
nor less. There girl is forced to marry
before she natures, to give place to others
who will point at her in scorn as an old
girP-one who has seen several seasons.
am glad to live where women can enjoy
their youth before they settle to the graver
duties of wife and mother"