SOPHIA WESTERN 109
mental accomplishments she had derived from nature,
they were somewhat improved and cultivated by art:
for she had been educated under the care of an aunt,
who was a lady of great discretion, and was thoroughly
acquainted with the world, having lived in her youth
about the court, whence she had retired some years
since into the country. By her conversations and
instructions, Sophia was perfectly well-bred, though
perhaps she wanted a little of that ease in her
behaviour which is to be acquired only by habit, and
living within what is called the polite circle. But
this, to say the truth, is often too dearly purchased;
and though it hath charms so inexpressible, that the
French, perhaps, among other qualities, mean to
express this when they declare they know not what
it is; yet its absence is well compensated by inno-
cence, nor can good sense and a natural gentility
ever stand in need of it.
HENRY FIELDING.
Tom Jones.
FIELDINGS AMELIA
Virtues and woes alike too great for man In the s
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