and, as a proof of it, bid me mark his mouth, which had been open
ever since. Nothing can be more becoming than the dress of these
Nuns. It is a white robe, the sleeves of which are turned up with
fine white callico (sic), and their head-dress the same, excepting a
small veil of black crape that falls behind. They have a lower sort
of serving Nuns, that wait on them as their chambermaids. They
receive all visits of women, and play at ombre in their chambers,
with permission of their abbess, which is very easy to be obtained.
I never saw an old woman so good-natured; she is near fourscore, and
yet shews very little sign of decay, being still lively and
cheerful. She caressed me as if I had been her daughter, giving me
some pretty things of her own work, and sweetmeats in abundance. The
grate is not of the most rigid; it is not very hard to put a head
through, and I don't doubt but a man, a little more slender than
ordinary, might squeeze in his whole person. The young count of
Salamis came to the grate, while I was there, and the abbess gave him
her hand to kiss. But I was surprised to find here, the only
beautiful young woman I have seen at Vienna, and not only beautiful
but genteel, witty, and agreeable, of a great family, and who had
been the admiration of the town. I could not forbear shewing my
surprise at seeing a Nun like her. She made me a thousand obliging
compliments, and desired me to come often. It will be an infinite
pleasure to me, (said she, sighing) but I avoid, with the greatest
care, seeing any of my former acquaintance, and whenever they come to
our convent, I lock myself in my cell. I observed tears come into
her eyes, which touched me extremely, and I began to talk to her in
that strain of tender pity she inspired me with; but she would not
own to me, that she is not perfectly happy. I have since endeavoured
to learn the real cause of her retirement, without being able to get
any other account, but that every body was surprised at it, and no