a celebrated lady in the court of France, was of a noble family, and born at Paris in the year 1615; but rendered herself famous by her wit and gallantries. Her mother was a lady of exemplary piety; but her father early inspired her with the love of pleasure. Having lost her parents at 14 years of age, and finding herself mistress of her own actions, she resolved never to marry; she had an income of 10,000 livres a-year; and, according to the lessons she had received from her father, drew up a plan of life and gallantry, which she pursued till her death. Never delicate with respect to the number, but always in the choice, of her pleasures, she sacrificed nothing to interest; but loved only while her taste for it continued; and had among her admirers the greatest lords of the court. But notwithstanding the levity of her conduct, she had many virtues.—She was constant in her friendship, faithful to what are called the laws of honour, of strict veracity, disinterested, and more particularly remarkable for perfect probity. Women of the most respectable characters were proud of the honour of having her for their friend; at her house was an affable

(A) This assertion, however, is far from seeming probable; for every trace of it seems to have so totally disappeared, even so early as A. D. 627, that the vacant space afforded a spacious field for the celebrated battle between the emperor Heraclius and the Persians. There are few things in ancient history which have more puzzled the learned world, than to determine the spot where this city stood. Mr Ives informs us, that some have imagined it flood near Jonah's tomb; others, however, place it at another place, some hours journey up the Tigris. These different opinions, however, seem perfectly reconcileable; for it appears at least probable, that ancient Nineveh took in the whole of the ground which lies between these two ruined places. Mr Ives adds, that "what confirms this conjecture is, that much of this ground is now hilly, owing no doubt to the rubbish of the ancient buildings. There is one mount of 200 or 300 yards square, which stands some yards north-east of Jonah's tomb, whereon it is likely a fortification once stood. It seems to have been made by nature, or perhaps both by nature and art, for such an use." semblage of every thing most agreeable in the city and the court; and mothers were extremely desirous of fending their sons to that school of politeness and good taste, that they might learn sentiments of honour and probity, and those other virtues, that render men amiable in society. But the ill-favoured Madame de Sevigné with great judicious remarks in her letters, that this school was dangerous to religion and the Christian virtues; because Ninon L'Enclos made use of seducing maxims, capable of depriving the mind of those invaluable treasures. Ninon was esteemed beautiful even in old age; and is said to have inspired violent passions at 80. She died at Paris in 1705. This lady had several children; one of whom, named Chevalier de Villiers, excited much attention by the tragical manner in which he ended his life. He became in love with Ninon, without knowing that she was his mother; and when he discovered the secret of his birth, stabbed himself in a fit of despair. There have been published the pretended Letters of Ninon L'Enclos to the Marquis de Sevigné.