An excess of even good form is bad; thus if the full rich lines of a generous mouth are exaggerated, we have the indication of sensuality, whilst the finer susceptibilities shown by delicately moulded lips may, by a little excess towards thinness, give fastidiousness and even avarice.
The middle-sized mouth, which combines strength with warmth of feeling, whilst it steers clear of coarseness, is what gives the best indications. Such a mouth shows courage, generosity, and affection.
A mild, somewhat overhanging upper lip generally signifies goodness, or rather kindliness of disposition; but if very much overhung it shows weakness of purpose and an irresolute, vacillating character and, where the under lip is small as well as retreating and the chin also small, it is an indication of imbecility.
A mouth in which the lower lip projects shows prudence amounting to distrust and melancholy. We often see this form of mouth with the down-drooping nose; both are indications of the dominating influence of Saturn at the birth of the person possessing such a combination of features. If the under lip should be very full as well as projecting and droops in a flaccid manner without closing over the teeth when the lips are in repose, it is a sign of a sensual nature. Of course an intellectual brow and a firm and energetic form of nose would lessen the evil of such an indication, but there is always a tendency towards the grosser pleasures of the senses in a person with such a form of lips.
A mouth with lips habitually apart denotes eloquence, if the rest of the face gives intellectual indications; but if none of the signs of mental power are there, it would only signify a chattering person wanting in decision and promptness of action.
A firmly closed mouth shows courage, fortitude and determination; even an habitually open mouth will be seen to close with a sort of forced compression when endurance is necessary. Everyone closes the mouth after saying, "I am resolved."
A somewhat long mouth, with an upward curve at the corners and with thin and very flexible lips, indicates wit. Voltaire had this sort of mouth.
Full, flexible lips, with a hollow in the centre of the lower lip, and with the corners turning upwards, show a joyous, hospitable and rather materialistic temperament, with good spirits and sense of humour.
A mouth with full lips, but in which one side of the lower lip is larger and fuller than the other, was said by the old writers to denote ardour in love and general sensuousness. It is one of the signatures of Venus.
A wart just above the upper lip shows a coarse and cruel nature; a mole in the same place, love of the opposite sex.