ders an abridgment. The author of it dissuades his countrymen from the use of French fashions, since we have a right, power and genius to supply our selves. The imitation of modes, he says, is a tribute paid to some virtue; as to valour, beauty, or to a superior skill in arts and sciences. As to valour the French claimed no preheminence over us, the victories we had obtain'd at that time being too fresh in their memories. The Britons have distinguish'd themselves in this particular. We us'd the Ruff and Fardingal while the Spaniards were highest in reputation; and when France, by our assistance, prevail'd over 'em, we very complaisantly pursued the French thro' many extravagant varieties: but when a war became necessary with France, we disus'd their exotick modes, and our fashions were commodious and graceful.
Beauty, he reckons, as the next quality in directing the modes, which he describes as a sweet reflexion of light, arising from the connexion and aptitude of the parts. Two sorts of it, of national and universal. As to the first, gives a description of a beauty peculiarly French, as to the second, points out the Britons. Opposes a certain likeness, or figure among the French to the beautiful of either kind, which he represents as the symbol of capering, with the knees touching, and the ankles a foot and a half distance from one another, with a broad codebeck, an immense peruke, and an old lac'd coat.
A third quality which influences the modes, is a superior skill in arts and sciences. Depreciates the French poetry, eloquence, knowledge in medals, musick and painting, when compared with the inimitable performances of other nations.
The author proceeds to consider some pleas made in behalf of the French. First as to modes, that they have ever excell'd us in a copiousness and variety of fancy. This is to be imputed to the encouragement given to French taylors, who are priviledg'd with inscribing a new-fashion'd garment to a great man, as an author does a book. Another plea is the civility of the French. To which 'tis answer'd, that they show it when we praise their country, and disregard or undervalue our own. Their third plea is the cheapness of their workmanship: the reason of which is, our workmen find it difficult exactly to imitate the French; as they do to imitate us. Their last plea is, that they exceed all others in vivacity of Temper. This is allow'd, if signifying no more than an impertinent alertness.
The author goes on to make some remarks upon dress, which respect either the head or the body. The attire of the head is either natural, or such as seems so; or additional. The antients used to signify strength by short, bristly hair and effeminacy by long. The French, on the contrary, dress the man in the longest hair, and the woman with hardly any. Allows the French to have succeeded in the female head-dress. Says, there cannot be a better likeness of a Magdalen than a French lady in a state of compunction.
The attire of the body is purely additional.
In the last place takes notice of the qualities requisite to set off dress; such as vivacity in conversation, without levity or impertinence; a beautiful aspect; a just stature, and a genius to dispose the habit according to its proper attitude.
The Templer, Tuesday, February 9. No. 3.
BEgins with observing, that treatises have been wrote concerning rules of argumentation, for the use of combatants in theological, political, or philosophical controversies,but
