After this discourse, they had many other conferences, which for brevity’s sake I’ll forbear to rehearse. At last, after several questions which the Empress’s soul asked the Duchess, she desired to know the reason why she did take such delight, when she was joined to her body, in being singular both in accoutrements, behaviour, and discourse? The Duchess’s soul answered, she confessed that it was extravagant, and beyond what was usual and ordinary: but yet her ambition being such, that she would not be like others in anything, if it were possible, I endeavour, said she, to be as singular as I can: for, it argues but a mean nature, to imitate others: and though I do not love to be imitated, if I can possibly avoid it; yet, rather than imitate others, I should choose to be imitated by others: for my nature is such, that I had rather appear worse in singularity, than better in the mode. If you were not a great lady, replied the Empress, you would never pass in the world for a wise lady: for, the world would say, your singularities are vanities.