an assured and very profitable conclusion, that the public,

"Like women, born to be controlled, Stoops to the forward and
the bold."

"Qui sibi fidit, dux regit examen," is a maxim of universal
truth. Pococurante, in Candide, was admired for despising
Homer and Michel Angelo; he would have gained little
distinction by praising them. The judicious application of
this rule to society, is the origin of fashion. In despair of
attaining greatness of quality, it founds its distinction
only on peculiarity.

We have spoken elsewhere of those complex and very rare
accomplishments, whose union is requisite to constitute a
gentleman. We know of but one quality which is demanded for a
man of fashion,--impudence. An impudence (self-confidence
"the wise it call") as impenetrable as the gates of
Pandemonium--a coolness and imperturbability of self-
admiration, which the boaster in Spencer might envy--a
contempt of every decency, as such, and an utter
imperviousness to ridicule,--these are the amiable and
dignified qualities which serve to rear an empire over the
weakness and cowardice of men.

To define the character of that which is changing even while
we survey it, is a task of no small difficulty. We imagine
that there is only one means by which it may be always
described, viz., that it consists in an entire avoidance of
all that is natural and rational. Its essence is affectation;