stanza in Tasso, and now
how to spell a very--very long word in her version of it? All these
incidents have their fascination on the mind at a certain period of
life, but not when a youth is entering it, and rather looking out
for some object whose affection may dignify him in his own eyes, than
stooping to one who looks up to him for such distinction. Hence,
though there can be no rule in so capricious a passion, early love is
frequently ambitious in choosing its object; or, which comes to the
same, selects her (as in the case of Saint Cecilia aforesaid) from a
situation that gives fair scope for LE BEAU IDEAL, which the reality of
intimate and familiar life rather tends to limit and impair. I knew a
very accomplished and sensible young man cured of a violent passion for
a pretty woman, whose talents were not equal to her face and figure, by
being permitted to bear her company for a whole afternoon. Thus it is
certain, that had Edward enjoyed such an opportunity of conversing with
Miss Stubbs, Aunt Rachel's precaution would have been unnecessary, for
he would as soon have fallen in love with the dairymaid. And although
Miss Bradwardine was a very different character, it seems probable that
the very intimacy of their intercourse prevented his feeling for her
other sentiments than those of a brother for an amiable and accomplished
sister; while the sentiments of poor Rose were gradually, and without
her being conscious, assuming a shade of warmer affection.
I ought to have said that Edward, when he sent to Dundee for the books
before mentioned, had applied for, and received permission, extending
his leave of absence. But the letter of his commanding-officer contained
a friendly recommendation to him, not to spend his time exclusively with
persons, who, estimable as they might be in a general sense, could
not be supposed well affected to a government which they declined
to acknowledge by taking the oath of allegiance. The letter further
insinuated, though with great delicacy, that although some family
connexions might be supposed to render it necessary for Captain Waverley
to communicate with gentlemen who were in this unpleasant state of
suspicion, yet his father's situation and wishes ought to prevent
his prolonging those attentions into exclusive intimacy. And it was
intimated, that; while his political principles were endangered by
communicating with laymen of this description, he might also receive
erroneous impress
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