I A DIALOGUE. ON BEAUTY. T was on one of the most pleasing Mornings in the laft Summer, that CRITO ftole from the Noife and Buftle of the Town, to enjoy an agreeable Day, or Two, with his Friend TIMANTHES in the Country. TIMANTHES received him with all that Joy and Pleasure, which is usual between Friends, who love one another entirely; and who have not met for a confiderable Time. He fhewed him his new Grove, and Gardens; and, as they were walking in the latter, "Since the Weather begins to be fo warm (fays he) if you like it, we will dine under that open Tent. The Air there will be refreshing to you; and will bring us the Smell of the Orange and Lemon-Trees which furround it, without breaking that View of the Country, of which used to be fo fond. When I placed them there, I had you in my Thoughts; and imagined it might you be a favourite Seat of yours, whenever you came hither; which I wish your Affairs would fuffer to be much oftener." Indeed the Spot was fo well chofen, that it made not only their Dinner, but even their Converfation together after it, the more agreeable; and as they were still fitting and enjoying themselves there, for fome Time in the Afternoon; a Servant came to let TIMANTHES know, that MILÈSIUS was just alighted; and was coming toward them. "Though in general I fhould not have chofen to be interrupted To-day (fays TIMANTHES), I am not forry for MILESIUs's Vifit at prefent; because his Gaiety may serve a little to divert you." "And I, fays CRITO, love every thing that you love; and fhall therefore go with Pleasure with you to meet him. MILESIUS came up to them with his usual Vivacity in his Face, and Behaviour; and, after a fhort Compliment, or Two, they all fat down together again under the Tent. They foon fell into a Conversation, which, though it might not be fo folid, was at least more lively and joyous than their former. TIMANTHES could not help obferving upon it. "You (fays he) MILESIUS give Life to the Company wherever you come; but I am particularly glad of your coming hither To-day, because my Friend CRITO, on his Arrival this Morning, feemed to have the Remains of fomething of a Melancholy on his Face; but, fince your joining us, the Cloud has been gradually clearing up, and seems now quite driven away. I would not then take any Notice of it to him, for fear of oppreffing the Mind |