tion as
by character. Character distinguishes one person from another, while by
passion nearly all men are alike. A controlling passion perverts
character, rather than develops it; and it is therefore in vain to
attempt the delineation of a character by unfolding the progress of a
passion. It has been well observed too, that unity of passion is
impossible since to give a just relief and energy to any particular
passion, it should be presented in opposition to one of a different sort
so as to produce a powerful conflict in the heart.

[Illustration: J Baillie]

In dignity and purity of style, Miss Baillie has not been surpassed by
any of the poets of her sex. Her dialogue is formed on the Shakespearian
model and she has succeeded perhaps better than any other dramatist in
imitating the manner of the greatest poet of the world.

In 1823 Miss Baillie published a collection of _Poetic Miscellanies_, in
1836 three more volumes of Plays, in 1842 _Fugitive Verses_, and she was
the author also of _A View of the General Tenor of the New Testament
Regarding the Nature and Dignity of Jesus Christ_.

A short time before her death--not more than six weeks--a complete
edition of her Poetical Works was published in London, in a very large
and compact volume of 850 pages, by the Longmans--"with many corrections
and a few additions by herself." The volume opens with the Plays on the
Passions. We have then the miscellaneous plays; and the last division
includes her delightful songs and all her poetical compositions not
dramatic nor connected with the plays; and here appears a poem of some
length, recently printed for private circulation, as well as some short
poems not before published. A pleasing and characteristic portrait
accompanies the volume, and we have had it copied for the
_International_.

Though Miss Baillie's fame always tended to draw her into society, her
life was passed in seclusion, and illustrated by an integrity, kindness,
and active benevolence, which showed that poetical genius of a high
order may be found in a mind well regulated, able and willing to execute
the ordinary duties of life in an exemplary manner. Gentle and
unassuming to all, with an unchangeable simplicity of character, she
counted many of the most celebrated persons of the last age among her
intimate friends, and her quiet home was frequently resorted to by
people of other nations, as well as by her own countrymen, for the
purpose of paying homag