ABSTRACT
The observation of Solon, repeated by the celebrated Creesus at the most interesting period of his life, that ‘we never should pronounce a man happy until we have seen his end,’ 464 was strikingly verified in my Heroine’s history. Her morn of existence rose with peculiar splendour; and even the contemplative philosopher, who is accustomed to look beyond the surface, and to balance hope with experience, when he considered the rare advantages of judicious education, amiable temper, / discreet habits, ample wealth, and exemplary connections, united in the person of the lovely Geraldine, must have concluded that no common vicissitude of fortune could demolish this goodly fabric.
