is dressed in the colour of their respective omes, and wears a diadem on the head, One of the twin-brothers, with the damsel beloved by both, composed the first couple who were to place the incense on the altar. This done, they saluted each other. It was customary for them now to change their places; 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 order, by which means they have an opportunity of completley beholding cach other. It is here, commonly, that such as have not hitherto made their choice, determine it: and, as success depends solely on the acquiescence of the damsel, the young man takes all possible pains to obtain the love of her whom he has selected from the rest. To avoid every species of misunderstanding or jealousy, the maiden, when the young man pleases her, accepts from him a flower not yet fully blown, which it is his business to tender, and sticks it in her bosom. But if she has already entered into some engagement, she gives him to understand as much, by shewing him a flower; and should this be only a bud, it is then a sign that he will make her the first proposal; if half-blown, it implies that her love has already made some progress; but if it be fully blown, the virgin betokens that her choice is made, and that she cannot now retract it. So long, however, as she does not publicly wear this token, she remains at liberty to act as she pleases. If she be free, and the man who offers her the flower is not agreeable to her, she makes him a profound reverence, and shuts her eyes till he is retired. Indeed, at times, it happens here, as well as in other places, though here very rarely, that she disguises herself to her lover. If a man be already contracted, he likewise bears a token. Such maidens as have yet met with no lover, have their choice, either to remain virgins, or to inscribe themselves among the widows, which last can only be married to a widower. But, to return to our twin-brothers The brother who stood at the altar with the young damsel, felt as violent a passion for her as she did for him. They were so extremely intent on the ceremony, that they forgot to give each other the accustomed signs. On her leaving the altar, the other brother saw her; became enamoured of her; and found an opportunity, when the ceremony was over, to present her with a flower. She accepted it from his hands; being fully persuaded, that it was the person who had just before been with her at the altar: but as she withdrew herself away in some haste, with her companions, she imperceptibly dropped the token which she had received. The elder brother accosted her once more, and offered her a flower-" Ah!" said she to herself, in an amiable confusion, "it is the very same!" and took that likewise. The young man, who heard this, imagined for certain that it meant him; but as the law allowed them to remain no longer together, they departed their several ways. He who had first presented the flower, found an opportunity, some days afterwards, of seeing his charmer by night at a lattice. This sort of conversation, though strictly prohibited by the laws, was yet connived at. The damsel appeared so kind, that he ventured to offer her the token of a half-blown flower. This she accepted; and, in return, presented him with a scarf embroidered with hearts, interwoven with thorns; giving him to understand thereby, that there were still some obstacles to be surmounted. She allowed him, at the same time to declare himself her lover without, however, giving him her name, and without even acquainting him with the reason of her silence on that head. Not long afterwards, the elder brother met her at the very same window; but the night was so dark, that he could not distinguish the second flower which she wore in her bosom.- The extreme satisfaction she discovered at his coming, seemed to him somewhat extraordinary; but he ascribed it to a sympathy which, between lovers, banishes all restraint. He began to excuse himself for not having seen her so long; and assured her that, if he could have his will, no night should pass but he would come to assure her of the ardour of his inclination. She admired the vehemence of his pas sion. The lover received such clear indications of her favourable disposition towards him, that he thought he might easily wave the ceremony of the second token; and accordingly gave her the third, a nearly full-blown flower. She accepted it of him: telling him, however, that she would not immediately wear it; that he must first go through certain forms; and, that she must still see some more proofs of the fidelity of his attachment: At the same time, to assure him of the sincerity of her love, she gave him her hand through the lattice, which he kissed in the greatest transports. On this she wrought two hearts, in her own hair, over made him a present of a fillet: on which were which was a wreathe of pomegranates, seemingly almost ripe: a joyful token! which gave him to understand, that the time of gathering was at hand. He told her that he hoped she would now willingly wear the full-blown flower, as a testimony of her consent; at the same time presenting her with an artificial carnation, interspersed with little flames and hearts. She stuck the carnation in her bosom; unable to conceal her joy, as she received it: at which her lover was so transported, that he determined to demand her of her parents. His elder brother, who had given the fullblown flower, at the same time, thought nothing more was wanting to his happiness, than the approbation and consent of her relations. Chance brought them both, on the very same day, to the parents of their beloved. But how great was their astonishment, on their meeting each other! As soon as the father appeared, each addressed him for his daughter. He assured them he had but one child, of whose virtue he was fully convinced; and that she never, in opposition to the laws of the land, could favour two lovers at once. He, however, concluded from the perfect likeness that subsisted between the two brothers, that some mistake had happened, and sent for his daughter to clear up the matter. She immediately appeared decorated with the four flowers which she had received; in the complete conviction, that the two full-blown had been presented her by one and the same hand. Venus herself, attended by the Graces, could not have shone more lovely than Berilla; for thus was the damsel named. Her form was noble and majestic; and her complexion surpassed the blooming rose. No sooner did she perceive the great resemblance between her lovers, and the tokens of her inclination which they wore, than she exclaimed-"I am deceived!--Thou knowest my innocence, O almighty Sun!" She was unable to utter more, but fell motionless on the earth. Her beautiful cheeks were covered with the veil of death.The father, frantic with agony, held her in his arms, and pressed her to his heart My dear, my only daughter! live, or I must die with thee. I know thou art innocent!" Her mother and the servants, were called to her relief; and with much difficulty, restored her to herself, She lifted up her eyes; raised a deep sigh; elosed them again; and said-" Unhappy Berilla, thou art now dishonoured! Thou wert the comfort of thy parents, who loved thee in their hearts; and as the reward of their tenderness, thou art become the cause of their distress!"-On uttering these words, she burst into a flood of tears. Her father, himself oppressed with sorrow, strove to calm her tor tured mind by every endearing expression; giving her repeated assurances, that he was convinced of her innocence. "O my father," cried she, " am I still worthy of thee ?"—"Thou art so," he replied, "thy sorrow indicates; which, at once, is thy justification, and the triumph of thy sensibility! Compose thy spirits," added he with sighs; "I know the innocence." The two brothers stood speech less at this mournful scene: they alternately cast on each other looks of distrust; of anger; and, then, of compassion. In the mean time, the amiable maiden completely revived; at least, so far as to be able to answer some questions which were submitted to her. She declared, that the first, by whom she had been led to the altar, was the person who made an impression on her heart; that presently after, she accepted, she believed, from him, the first token of his inclination; aud, at length, consented to become his: that, thereupon she wore the full-blown flower;" but she was totally ignoraut by which of the two brothers it had been given her. She cocluded, with declaring, that she was ready to abide by the judgement of the elders, and to submit to any punishment which they should think fit to inflict. weightiest concerns of the empire, and as As the marriage engagement is among the so peculiar a case, it was necessarily left to the there was no law already provided respecting decision of the porphar, or prince of the coun try. The cause was fairly stated in the presence of him and the elders; and the likeness of the two brothers was in reality so great, that they were scarcely to be distinguish ed asunder. The prince asked, which of the two it was who led her to the altar? The eldest replied that it was he. Berilla confessed that, indeed, he pleased her at first; but the impression he made on her was only slight.— On this it was asked, who gave the first flower? and it proved to be the youngest. Berilla said, she lost that: but shortly after her lover returned it to her; though, at this moment, he appeared to her less amiable than before. However, she constantly believed it to be the same. The point which most perplexed the judge was, that the maiden had received the full-blown flower from both the lovers. They looked stedfastly on each other, without daring to speak a word. The porphar interrogated the young lady, whether, at the time she her consent, she did not believe she was giving it to him who had led her to the altar? She ailirmed, that she did; but likewise declared, that her greatest inclination had fallen on him from whom she received the first flower. Both the brothers were now set before her; and the question was put to her, which of the two she would choose, if the election were now freely left to herself? She blushed; and, after a few moments of consideration, replied-" The youngest seems to have the greatest inclination for me!" At the same time, darting him a look, which betrayed the secret wishes of her soul. gave All men now waited with impatience for the decree of the Prince; and eagerly strove to read in his eyes, the judgment which he was going to pronounce: but particularly the two lovers, THE TICKLER. who seemed expecting the sentence of life and The lot was cruel: for, in Mezzorania, the They were shortly after united; and the prince acquired great renown by this decree. Thoughts. THE BUTTERFLY CAUGHT—A Thought from the Italian.-Behold the young and beautiful Phillis, the morn of life opens on her smilingly, and the girlish graces of thirteen summers, and as many winters, announce the prospect of a radiant day. But, why, sweet inaid, that reflection, and attempered by soul. Thou wilt no longer wildly pace over lawns, or trip through flower-gardens; yet still may some gay and gilded object attract thy notice some buzzing insect, that wings its way from sweet to sweet, excite y hope, thy admiration, thy love! Once more mayest thou watch, with palpitating heart, its sportive wanderings; and, if not pursue,-intercept-display thy attractions, point thy charms, again be successful, again catch-a butterfly. Translations. FROM THE GREEK OF ATHENEUS. Three cups I mingle for the wise, If added, but engenders insolence ; And he who drinks it falls a senseless brute. wants, heightened bloom? Why that impatient gaze? And even if it denies what seems our right, Why that eager and breathless pursuit ?-In vain the question;-heedlessly thou rushest through the flowery recess; wildly thou boundest over the gay parterre;-nothing seems to At length, thy impede thy devious progress. career is checked-triumph sparkles in thine eye-thou hast succeeded-thou hast caught it -what-a butterfly. Ah! Phillis, a few, a very few years, and thy artless beauties will ripen into finished elegance; thy vivacious glances be softened by Either denies because 'twould have us ask, Trifles. THE TWO HERVEYS. TWO HERVEYS bad a mutual wish Verses. LINES, On the Death of an unfortunate Young Woman O'er her cold grave no friend to drop a tear, Poor, friendless, and expos'd, sinn'd on and died. LINES, Wrillen at the request of a Lady who had bees over-much complimented and flattered by a Beau. Of all the modes by which vain men beguile TO A LADY, With a Pair of Gloves. J. N. Brimful of anger-not of love, And meet my charmer-though I die! Which, though in age, defies the world to shew, A glass of wine amazingly-enlighteneth one's An equal to each finished features' grace, I have beheld thy form, have seen thy eye, Panting with fear, with wild anxiety, Till my wrapt soul each mimic terror caught: I've follow'd thee through artificial grief, And heard the plaintive pathos of thy moan, Till pity swell'd my soul to give relief, internals. "Tis wings reddened with nectar-that y up to supernals. Bottles crack'd in taverns-have much the sweeter kernels, Than the sups allowed to us-in the college journals. Every one by nature hath-a mould which he was cast in: And, weeping, thought the author's woes thy I happen to be one of those-who never could own. Time o'er thy form has scarcely dared to wave, The with ring wand which dims all beauty's pow'r; The charm which thy superior spirit gave, Still, still delights, as in thy youthful hour; Thy perfect mind still holds its tow'ring height Above the magic of enfeebling age; Glorious it beams with never-fading light, And bids thee reign supreme of England's stage. G. G. THE JOVIAL PRIEST'S CONFESSION. There is already an imitation by Mr. Huddesford of the following reverend piece of wit; and one of the passages in it beats any thing in the present version. It is the beginning of the last stanza,— write fasting; |