The Life and Works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874. Excerpt: ... afford a welcome home to the wretch who has no other shelter. I bear, with unrepining patience, all manner of ill usage; I am trampled upon, I am torn, and wounded with the most cutting strokes; I am pillaged of the treasures hidden in my most secret chambers; notwithstanding which I am always ready to return good for evil, and am continually subservient to the pleasure or advantage of others; yet, so ungrateful is the world, that, because I do not possess all the airiness and activity of my sisters, I am stigmatized as dull and heavy. Every sordid, miserly fellow is called, by way of derision, one of my children; and if a person, on entering a room, does but turn his eyes upon me, he is thought stupid and mean, and not fit for good company. I have the satisfaction, however, of finding that people always incline towards me as they grow older; and that those who seemed proudly to disdain any affinity with me are content to sink, at last, into my bosom. You will probably wish to have some account of my person. I am not a regular beauty; some of my features are rather harsh and prominent, when viewed separately; but my countenance has so much variety of expression, and so many different attitudes of elegance, that those who study my face with attention find out continually new charms. Though I have been so long a mother, I have still a surprising air of youth and freshness, which is assisted VOL. II. 17 T by all the advantages of well-chosen ornament, for I dress well, and according to the season. This is what I have chiefly to say of myself and my sisters. To a person of your sagacity, it will be unnecessary for me to sign my name. Indeed, one who becomes acquainted with any one of the family cannot be at a loss to discover the rest, notwithstanding the dif...