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I was born with most lively passions. Our art, which renders us superior to mortals, can affect no alteration in the heart and the genius my father saw, with chagrin, that several centuries would be necessary to render me prudent and happy.
In the mean time I became deeply enamoured of a fairy, much older than myself, and more eminent for understanding than beauty; this choice did me honour. Prudina, so as the fairy called, was held in great estimation, and was cited as a model of circumspection, prudence, and virtue. So penetrating was her wit, she saw my passion before I knew it myself, and informed me I was in love with her at first I was going to tell her, with the utmost simplicity and openness of heart, she was mistaken; but she seemed so confident, I thought it best to examine myself a little farther.
While she chided me for a passion which she called childish folly, Prudina discovered so much mildness and friendship, that the con-
