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ATKINSON'S CASKET
Or Gems of Literature, Wit and Sentiment
Philadelphia, June, 1832PORTRAIT OF JOSEPHINE
Josephine was rather above than below the middle size, her's being exactly that perfection of stature which is rather too tall for the delicacy of feminine proportion, nor diminutive as to detract from dignity. Her person, in its individual forms, exhibited faultless symmetry; and the whole frame, animated by lightness and elasticity of movement, seemed like something ariel in its perfectly graceful carriage. This harmonious ease of action contributed yet more to the dignified, though still youthful air, so remarkable in Josephine's appearance. Her features were small and finely modeled, the curves tending rather to fullness, and the profile inclining to Grecian, but without any statue-like coldness of the outline. The habitual character of her countenance was a placid sweetness, within whose influence there were few who would not have felt interested in a being so gentle. Perhaps the first impression might have left a feeling that there wanted energy; but this could have been for an instant only, for the real charm of this mild countenance resided in its power of varied expression, changing with each vicissitude of thought and sentiment. "Never," says a very honest admirer, "did any woman better justify the saying, 'The eyes are the mirror of the soul.'" Josephine's were of a deep blue, clear and brilliant, even imposing in their expression, when turned fully upon any one; but in their usual manner they lay half-concealed beneath their long and silky eyelashes. She had a habit of looking thus with a mild subdued glance upon those she loved, throwing into her regard such winning tenderness as might not easily be resisted, and, even in his darkest moods, Napoleon confessed its tranquilizing power. Realizing exactly the fine description of the old poet. Josephine's long hair was glossy chestnut brown, whose sunny richness harmonized delightfully with a clear and transparent complexion, and a neck of almost dazzling whiteness. Her eyebrows were a shade darker, arching regularly, and pencilled with extreme delicacy. She read delightfully; and nature had been here peculiarly propitious; for so harmonious were the tones of her voice, even in the most ordinary conversation, that instances are common of those who, coming unexpectedly and unseen within their influence, have remained as if suddenly fascinated and spell-bound, till the sounds ceased, or fear of discovery forced the listeners away. This charm is known to have wrought powerfully upon Napoleon. His own admission was, "The first applause of the French people sounded to my ear sweet as the voice of Josephine." On the whole, Josephine, perhaps, might not exactly have pretensions to be what is termed a fine woman, but hers was that style of fine beauty which awakens in the heart a far deeper sentiment than mere admiration."
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-Napoleon Bonaparte
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