The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-11-27
Translated fr"m the German.
The Twin Brothers.
A VICTORIAN TALE.

Amidst the extensive wilds of Africa
there lies territory. the inhabitants oil
which are as numerous. and even as civ
iliz"d, as the Chinese: they are called the
Mezzorians.
Two twin brothers Of this country
which is still so little known to our geog
rsphers were cuamore,l Of young lady
WHO equally favored both. The two low
ers aud the fair one CHANGED 10 meet to
gether at the festival instituted il. honor OF
the Sun. This festival was solrmnize,l
twice a year as the kingdom lies between
the two tropics. Yet somewhat mare OH
this side the line. it has two springs and
two summers. At the commencement OF
every spring this adoratiou is paid to the
great lu,ninary throughout all the homes
or districts in the land. 1t is celebrated
in the open air to denote that the sun i,
the immediate cause OF all the produc
tons Of nature. They make all offering
to it of five small pyramids Of irankln-
cense, in golden dishes. Five youths
and an equal number of virgins. are
named by the magistrate to place them on
the altar, where they remain till the fire
consumes them. Each of these young
persons are dressed in the color of their
respective homes, and wear diadem OIL
the head.
One OF the brothers, with the damsel
beloved by both, composed the first cou.
Pile who were to place the incense on the
altar. This done. they saluted each otl,
er. II was customar. for them. now 10
change their plac-s-the youth going over
to the side OF the virgin and she coming
to his. When the five pair have acted in
this manner, all the spectators follow in
the same manner. by which means they
have all opp ,rtnnity OF completely behold
ing each other.
lts here. commonly. that such as have
ofhitherto male their choice. determine
it; and as success depends solely OH the
acqu,escence OF the damsel the young
man takes all Imaginable pains to obtain
the love of her whom he has selected from
the rest.
To avoid every species Of misunder-
standing or jealousy. the maiden, when
the young man pleases her, accepts from
him flower not fully blown. which it is
his business to tender. puts it in her bo-
som. But, if she has already entered in
to some previous engagement, she gives
him to understand as much by showing
him a Aower and should this be only a
bud, it is then q, sign that he will make
her the first proposal; il half.bbWn.iitiin.s
plies her iovr has already made some
pro sress; but iii be fully blown, the virgin
thereby beiokens thar her choice.is made.
and that she cannot now retract it4s1So
long, however. as she does moi p,lIliEly
wear this token. she remains at liberty'to
act as she pleases. 'e>3 = s.sss
II she be free. and the man who offers
her the flower is not agreeable 10 her, she
makes HIM a profound reverence. and
shuts her eyes till he has retired. Indeed,
at times. it'happens here, as wall as other
places. though here very rarely. that she
tiisgu;ses herself to her lover. liza man
be already contracted, he likewise bears =
token. Such smaidens as have netwiih
no1loyer, have their choice either to. re-
main virgins, Of 20 inscribe themselves
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