the most delicate texture, we have striking examples in the history of the many virgin martyrs, who were exposed, in the first ages of Christianity, to the most barbarous and lingering tortures. Nor was it only from Christian zeal, that woman derived the power of defying the utmost rigors of per|secution with invincible fortitude: Saint Ambrose, in his elaborate and pious trea|tise on virgins, records the resolution of a fair disciple of Pythagoras, who, being se|verely urged by a tyrant to reveal the se|crets of her sect, to convince him that no torments should reduce her to so unworthy a breach of her vow, bit her own tongue asunder, and darted it in the face of heir oppressor. In consequence of those happy changes, which have taken place in the world, from the progress of purified reli|gion, the inflexible spirit of the tender sex is no longer exposed to such inhuman trials; but if the earth is happily delivered from the demons of torture and super|stition; if beauty and innocence are no 0