Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1895-04-18

1t Is Very Peculiar Process What Som
Letters Show,

1t Is n Very Peculiar Process What Some
Letters show.
LovCmaking in China must be q
very peculiar process, to say the
least Some curious specimens of
letters have como To light regarding
the marriage of the son of tho an
Cicnt family of Tan and a daughter
of tho equally old and respectable
house of y.
Tho following is literal transla-
ton of the proposal of tho young
man:
Tho ashamed younger brother,
surnamCd Tan, named Su, with
washed head, makes obcisanco and
writes this lottcr to tho greatly vir.
tuouS and humble gentleman whose
surname is q, old teacher, great
man, and presents it Mt tho foot OF
the gallery. Tho satin curtains are
Cnvclopcd in mist, rejecting the
beauty of tho river and hills. In the
folds of the blue gem arc planted
willows, close together, arranging
and diffusing the commencement OF
genial influences and consequently
adding TO the good of tho old year.
II duly rcvcrsnco your lofty door.
Tho guest of the Sue country dc,
seconds from n good stock. The orr.
gin of the female of tho Hui country
likewise (is so tOo).
II, tho mean one, am ashamed OF
myself, just rs rotten wood is in the
presence of aromatic herbs. now
receive your indulgence, inasmucl
rs you have listened to tho words OF
tho matchmaker and given Miss s.
III marriage TO the mean ones oldest
son, named Kang. Your assontina
to it is worth moro to me than l, OO(
pieces of gold.
1.-The marriage business will be
conducted according to the six rules
of propricty, and l will reverently
announce the business to my ances
tors, with presents of gems anG
silks. l will arrange tho things ar
ranged III your baskets, so that al
who tread the threshold of my door
may enjoy them.
From this time forward tho two
surnamcs will be united, and l trust
the union will be fclicitous one anG
last for 100 years and realize the do
lights experienced by the union OF
the two countries, Chin and Chin.
Il hope that your honorable be
nevOlcnce and consideration will do
fond mo INCREASINGLY. Atprcsent the
dragon flies in Sin Hal term, the frs
month, lucky day. I, Mr.. Su, bow
respectfully. Light before"
On this dccoction Of tho Essential
oil of modcsty the young Miss or
father looks with favor, so he re
spends in state of still moro pro
foundly polite humility.
The younger brother, surnameG
0, names 1'us of the family to be re
lated by marriage, his head clean
knocks his head and bows and write.
this marriage letter in reply to the
far famed and virtuous gentleman
named Tan, the venerable teacher
and great man who manages thi:
business.
" lis matter of congratulation the
union of 100 years. / reverence YOU
lofty gate. The prognostic is good
also the divination of the lucky bird
Tho stars are bright, and the drag
onS meet together.
In every succeeding dynasty off
ces will be held, and for many {
generation official vcstments will bt
worn (not only those of your family
surname will enjoy all the afort
mentioned felicity, more especially
will you, honorable gentleman, who
possess abilities great and deep
Your manners are dignified and pure
Il, the foolish one, am ashamed Of
my diminutivencss. l for long
time have desired your dragon pow
ers. Now you have not looked dowr
upon me with contempt, but have
entertained the statement of the
matchmaker and agree to give Mr.
Kang to be united to my despicablt
daughter.
L praise your son, who Is like 6
fairy horse, who can cross over the
water and is able to ride upon the
wind and waves. But my tiny daugh
ter is like green willow and feeble
plant and is not worthy Of becoming
the subject of verso.
Now l hope your honorable be
nevolcncc will always remember me
| without end.
Nov the dragon flies in the Sir
Hal term, first month. lucky day
Mr.. Tu makes obeisance May the
future DO prosperous.
The modesty of the old gentleman
is so painful that we are almost
afraid to guess what may have beer
the feelings of Master Tan and Miss
| O.-EXchange.