The Northern star, and constitutionalist. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1834-1837, 1834-10-16
THE THREE JAPANESE BROTHERS,

THE THREE JAPANESE BRorHERs.-A
lovely woman was left widow with no
other support than the labor of three sons.
These young men, not having been
brought up to any kind Of work, could
hardly procure the necessarics of life,
cnme TO most unwarrantable resolution
Of improveing their circumstances. AT
that time there was a most notorious
robber advertised, with an offer of IA great
reward to any one who should deliver him
Mt place appointed. They unanimously
resolved opon a plan, rs singular as it
was heroic. They agreed that one OF
them should pass for the robber and that
the other two should inform against him.
Who should be the victim of filial piety
to de ascertained by casting lots; it
fell upon the youngest brother, who suf-
tered him selfto BIB bound and delivered
up as a criminal; he submitted to an ex-
animation, and declared he had stolen. -
He was then committed to prison, and
his brothers received the promised re-
ward. But before they returned home
they found means to enter the prison anx-
ious to bid n last adeu to their unfortu-
nate brother, believing they were unob-
served, they threw themselves into the
arms Of the prisoner and by their sobs and
tears testified the excess OF their grief and
affection. The magistrate was where he
could be an eye witness to the whole af-
fair, and was extremely surprised to see a
criminal give such striking proofs OF
friendship to those who had informed
against him. He ordered one of his
servants 10 follow them and watch them
narrowly. lie returned and Informed his
master that he had kept just behind them
till they had reached their mothers res
idence, that he concealed himself behind
the, door, that he distinctly heard every
word they uttered. that as soon rs they
entered, they gave the money to their moth
er. The astonished woman, evinced
more uneasiness than joy at the sight ofso
large a sum. She anxiously inquired for
her youngest son, and by what means
they had obtained the money. The un-
fortunate brothers could only answer by
their sighs and tears, till at last they were
threatened with the maledction OF so dear
mother, they declared the whole truth,
that tho distracted mother penetrated with
terror, gratitude and admiration, aban-
doned herself to the most violent trans
ports Of despair. That she flew to the
door with the intention to explain the
whole matter to the magistrate but de.
taned by her cruel and generous sons,
they fell Mt her feet, she wcpt over them,
she upbraided them with their misconduct
till overpowered with the excess Of con-
ing passions she fell senseless in
their arms. After this detail the Mapis-
trate went Immediately to the prison and
again interrogated the young man with an
intention to prevail with him to recant,
but to no purpose, (iniorming him that he
knew his story but he declared he had
stolen. The astonished Judge was de-
lighted to witness to what excess Of he
roism filial plety could elevate n yirtuous
soul lie went Immediately to Cubo
Same, or sovereign, to relate their histo-
ry this prince struck with their heroic
conduct, wished TO see the happy mother