I observed that it was not mechanical, because a whole was
produced -- a model of that grand simplicity, of those concurring
energies, which arrest our attention and command our reverence.
For only insipid lifeless beauty is produced by a servile copy of
even beautiful nature. Yet, independent of these observations, I
believe that the human form must have been far more beautiful
than it is at present, because extreme indolence, barbarous
ligatures, and many causes, which forcibly act on it, in our
luxurious state of society, did not retard its expansion, or
render it deformed. Exercise and cleanliness appear to be not
only the surest means of preserving health, but of promoting
beauty, the physical causes only considered; yet, this is not
sufficient, moral ones must concur, or beauty will be merely of
that rustic kind which blooms on the innocent, wholesome,
countenances of some country people, whose minds have not been
exercised. To render the person perfect, physical and moral
beauty ought to be attained at the same time; each lending and
receiving force by the combination. Judgment must reside on the
brow, affection and fancy beam in the eye, and humanity curve the
cheek, or vain is the sparkling of the finest eye or the
elegantly turned finish of the fairest features: whilst in every
motion that displays the active limbs and well-knit joints, grace
and modesty should appear. But this fair assemblage is not to be
brought together by chance; it is the reward of exertions
calculated to support each other; for judgment can only be
acquired by reflection, affection by the discharge of duties, and
humanity by the exercise of compassion to every living
creature.
