Behn, Aphra (1640?-1689)

The Fair Jilt, or, the History of Prince Tarquin and Miranda

London

Printed by R. Holt, for Will. Canning

1688

"She had an Air, though gay as so much Youth cou'd inspire, yet so modest, so nobly reserv'd, without Formality, or Stiffness, that one who look'd on her wou'd have imagin'd her Soul the Twin-Angel of her Body; and both together, made her appear something Divine."

Of this happy number was the fair Miranda, whose Parents being dead, and a vast Estate divided between her self, and a young Sister (who liv'd with an unmarry'd old Uncle, whose Estate afterwards was all divided between 'em) put her self into this uninclos'd Religious House; but her Beauty, which had all the Charms that ever Nature gave, became the Envy of the whole Sisterhood. She was tall, and admirably shap'd; she had a bright Hair, and Hazle-Eyes, all full of Love and Sweetness: No Art cou'd make a Face so fair as hers by Nature, which every Feature adorn'd with a Grace that Imagination cannot reach: Every Look, every Motion charm'd, and her black Dress shew'd the Lustre of her Face and Neck. She had an Air, though gay as so much Youth cou'd inspire, yet so modest, so nobly reserv'd, without Formality, or Stiffness, that one who look'd on her wou'd have imagin'd her Soul the Twin-Angel of her Body; and both together, made her appear something Divine. To this she had a great deal of Wit, read much, and retain'd all that serv'd her purpose. She sung delicately, and danc'd well, and play'd on the Lute to a Miracle. She spoke several Languages naturally; for being Co-heiress to so great a Fortune, she was bred with nicest Care, in all the finest manners of Education; and was now arriv'd to her Eighteenth Year.
(pp. 10-12)

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The Fair Jilt, or, the History of Prince Tarquin and Miranda Written by Mrs. A. Behn. (London: Printed by R. Holt, for Will. Canning ..., 1688). <Link to EEBO-TCP>

08/28/2014