At about three o'clock on a certain day, however, a servitor of Sir Jemsetjee's came to "call them that were bidden to the wedding ;" and he literally said, in the Guzeratee tongue, "All things are ready; come unto the marriage." A polite affirmative was at once written by Meer Jaffur, on coloured French note paper, and enclosed in an envelope decorated with loves, doves, hearts, and violin players, an original design perhaps of the valentine producer's artunion; and the suitable missive despatched, Meer Jaffur and his brother Meer Acbar soon appeared, splendidly and most becomingly attired. The dress of Meer Jaffur was of fine white linen, I confess I was a little ashamed of myself as I entered the room, and perhaps my humble looks increased the kind feelings of the party towards me. I tried at starting to be cool to Emily, but her first speech and first smile melted my attempted reserve in a moment, Ellis behaved like a man, seated himself beside la chère mère, and I believe scarcely looked towards Emily and myself the whole evening. And memory dropped a great blot over the morning events. Once again seated by Emily's side, I boldly started with the dear girl at the very point of confidence at which we had last parted some three months back, and she kindly allowed it; and my entire bliss was so great, that I can describe no separate part of it. And my first waking reality was, find-flowered in Surat tambour-work with gold and ing myself standing on the pavement waving my hand vigorously to where a carriage had last been visible before it turned the corner. A rose and a sprig of myrtle pinned in my buttonhole was my sole tangible relic of Emily Baverstock. (To be continued.) A PARSEE WEDDING. BY MRS. POSTANS. G. E. P. It is not very long since I had the pleasure of being a spectator of one of the most interesting ceremonies it was ever my good fortune to witness in India, the marriage of the lovely daughter of the highly respected and munificent Parsee knight, Sir Jemsetjee Jeejeebhoy, with her cousin, a very amiable and gentlemanly man, little older than the fair Ferozebhai, sister of Turquois. While a guest in the house of my kind friend Meer Jaffur, the Nuwaub of Surat, this marriage was the great topic of native chit-chat; but in consequence of the illness of the Governor of Bombay, Sir Jemsetjee did not intend to issue general invitations;-a matter of deep regret to many beside myself, for the knight's princely hospitalities are so well known, and the preparations for the mystical celebrations were so extensive, that a participation in the sumptuous entertainment was of course most desirable. My friend Meer Jaffur, with his brother Meer Acbar, of Baroda, had been invited some time since, and had already selected several pairs of magnificent shawls, with which to return the presents, sent, selon règle, with the original invitation to the marriage; but for myself I saw no hope, so with other evening loungers on the esplanade was constrained, with what contentment I might, to admire night by night the magnificent façade of the knight's mansion, brilliantly illuminated, to wonder whether the pretty pavilion erecting in front of it was for a natch or a supper-room, and to gossip about the report that Monsieur Roserre, the Herr Döbler of the day, had been offered four thousand rupees, to do, what any Kalatnee would have performed more surprisingly, for three thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine rupees less. coloured silks; his turban of Dacca muslin striped with gold, a long muslin scarf, such as Mohammedans always wear in dress, round his neck, and on his arm a magnificent green Cashmere shawl. Meer Jaffur's fine figure, handsome countenance, and graceful manner, adorn any dress; but the one in question was in such admirable taste, that I could not avoid its portraiture. Knowing well the power of perseverance in all mundane matters (even those with the most discouraging aspect), I'determined mine should not be lacking, in a vigorously sustained endeavour to see as much of this great Parsee wedding as the unbidden might; and being altogether urgent in curiosity, the Meer, with his usual kindness, assisted my laudable exertions with the loan of one of his open carriages, in which, sketch-book in hand, I quickly followed to the scene of action; and a brilliant one in truth it was. Passing through the Sunkersett Bazaar, (as this part of Bombay is called, in compliment to the rich Hindoo landholder, Juggernath Sunkersett, Esq.) our way was constantly impeded by groups of women bearing marriage gifts; all richly dressed, and followed by their male relatives, about every tenth woman bearing on her right hand a salver, on which was a loaf of sugar, and an infant's suit of crimson satin broidered in gold or silver. As we passed through the church gates of the fort, the plot thickened, and the crowd was so dense that we could proceed only at a foot's pace, ourselves attracting attention from the crimson silk reins and silver harness of our steeds. This fact from time to time favoured my advance, but the way was choking with the processions of women I have described, and the masses of bidden guests, passing from every avenue towards the mansion of Sir Jemsetjee. Each guest wore "a wedding garment," and bore on his arm, closely folded, a Cashmere shawl. This wedding garment was a surcoat of fine muslin falling in full folds to the feet, fastened with large bows over the breast on the left side, and girded round the waist with flat broad 1 Matt. xxii. bands of a thicker material. It is proper that this dress should be of sufficient length to conceal the slippers, and must be of very ample dimensions. As we advanced, it was quite evident that the constabulary force had labour almost beyond their powers and patience, in warning off the hired shigrams filled with half-caste women, and the buggies, crested with English sailors, that marred the scene; but if Constable C, who appeared the very genius of order, possessed any taste connected with his public zeal, he must have backed, passaged, and caracoled that bay Arab, which seemed ubiquitous, with right good will. On one side of us was the splendid mansion of Sir Jemsetjee, its handsome portico, and broad flight of steps, occupied by the male members of the family welcoming the wedding guests, while Cursetjee, the eldest son, pointed to the place of each on the chairs and benches previously arranged. Thus honourable men who were bidden sat in the highest place; none were afterwards called on to give place, neither was it necessary to say unto any, Friend, go up higher," arrangement having been previously made, according to rank, and thus " the wedding was furnished with guests." 66 On the upper step of the porch was seated Sir Jemsetjee Jeejeebhoy, benevolence in his every expression, dignity in his every gesture. His garment was of white muslin of the most delicate fabric and ample dimensions, and on his breast he wore a noble decoration, in the gold medal presented to him by Her Majesty Queen Victoria, in recognition of the princely munificence which dictated the erection of the noble hospital which bears his name. In front, and opposite to Sir Jemsetjee's house, stretched a line of temporary and highly decorated reception rooms, intended for the natch and supper, and here the band of the 20th N. I. played polkas with the most untiring spirit. I had but time to direct my coachman to draw in at this particular point, as the best for seeing the passers by, when on the porch and steps of the mansion I observed the guests dividing as if to flank an avenue, and in a second more came forth a procession as brilliant, interesting, and beautiful, as could be imagined. It was difficult indeed to fancy myself the spectator of a matter of real life, so like was it to some of the rich, gorgeous, and well conceived groupings that delight us in a new opera, or a splendid ballet, on which colour, light, and design, have exhausted their best efforts for effect. In this case, however, truth added to the beauty, and instead of weary, worn-out coryphées, we had here the handsome friends and fair young relatives of the bride, bearing marriage gifts to the bridegroom's house. And on they came, trouping forth into the bright sun shine, clasped hand in hand, bearing salvers. Their rich attire was of French satin, of the clearest colours, bright blue, pale blush colour, and full primrose, each saree bordered with a deep band of gold or silver, and each foot flashing in a jewelled slipper. The band preceded this fair cortége, and as the whole moved on, bright smiles and mirthful glances gleamed upon the crowd, but the slow and measured pace served well to display the grace and natural dignity of the Parsee ladies. Scarcely had this charming procession passed, when a jewelled hand was laid on the carriage door, and Cursetjee looked in: "I have come," he said, "the bearer of my father's compliments, to beg you to honour my sister's marriage with your presence; you would, perhaps, like to see the ceremony, and your friends the Meers are already here." The reader, to whom I have already confided my anxiety on this point, will sympathize in the delight I felt in thus becoming a bidden guest; in truth, at this moment, the invitation appeared the very pleasantest I had ever received, and I immediately followed its kind proposer to the portico, where Sir Jemsetjee received me with the courtesy which so eminently distinguished the fine old knight, and I soon found myself in the seat of honour, "the upper room at feasts," between my friends Meer Jaffur and Meer Acbar. Ours was evidently the most distinguished position, for Sunkersett was with us, with his fat, amiable son, and the Brahmin, Vindiack Gungadhur Shastree, Esq., with others of note. While those on the opposite seats, among those of less degree, I soon espied our "family physician," Budr-oo-deen, whose eyes revolved more than ever, as I thought, and looked much paler-an odd old gentleman, in sooth, and not at his ease as a wedding guest. But I am digressing, and while the Hakeem is rolling his visual organs, as if boldly defying any cobra in all India to fascinate them, the din of women's voices grows louder through the lattice behind my chair, the lights burn more brilliantly, and Cursetjee summons me to witness the marriage ceremonies. The glare and noise on first entering the great saloon were quite overpowering, and it occupied some minutes before I could see and understand what surrounded me. It seemed that, a few moments previous to my entrance, a large curtain had been thrown down, which had been drawn across the chamber, the ceremonies connected with which had been strictly private, and from what I afterwards learned of the matter very properly so; but the mirth of the ladies was at its height, and although this was their sixth day of festivity preparatory to the marriage, rich peals of ringing laughter left no doubt of their untiring enjoyment, and their perfect appreciation of all the "Jest and youthful jollity, Quips and cranks, and wanton wiles," which had attended the performance of rites | shaking of the pretty head of the bride, as if mystical to the stranger. In the centre of the hall was spread a large square carpet, the edge of which I was particularly requested not to touch, even with the hem of my garment, it being for the time sacred. On one side of this were the bride and bridegroom, seated on richly gilt chairs; the young husband in the usual dress of the Parsees, and the bride enveloped in a veil, or saree, of gold gauze, edged with pearls. They were a handsome couple, and with little disparity of age, the bridegroom being perhaps eighteen, and pretty Ferozebhai some four years younger. Facing the bride stood the Dastur, or Chief Priest, with flowing garments and white turban, peculiar to the order, and on either side mobeds, (priests of the second class), holding a dish with cocoa-nuts and rice, and a small fan. Between the priests and bride, were two small tables, teapoys, as they are called in India, (a perversion of teen-pong, or tripod,) each supporting a lighted candle and a green cocoa-nut, on a silver salver.' As the Dastur thus stood, with hand upraised, he scattered rice and dried fruits towards the bride, repeating the nuptial benediction. This ended, the bride's feet were bathed with milk, the kusti, or cincture of seventy-two threads, blessed and adjusted, with some frivolous customs on which it is unnecessary here to remark, inasmuch as I was assured both by Manockjee Cursetjee, and my obliging friend Nourojee Dorabjee, the radical editor of the Chabook newspaper, that they were mere grafts of Hindooism, and "contemptible to speak of." The concluding ceremony, however, had too much absurdity in it to pass unnoticed, and the reader will, if a bachelor, perhaps thank Heaven that he, at least, was not born a worshipper of A'tish (fire), to be liable to the suffering I am about to describe, in addition to that of a "wedding breakfast." In the marriage chamber were some hundreds of Parsee women, of all ages and various ranks, splendidly attired, for even those less wealthy than their neighbours were radiant in gold and satin; yet the elder ladies, and some even more than passée, had reason to rejoice that the saree, when required, levelled distinctions by concealment. Every individual of this crowd, from the moment, however, the nuptial ceremony was concluded, stepped upon the carpet and commenced a little benedictory appendix, performed by extending the hands, and passing them over the faces and garments of the bride and bridegroom, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, repassing them from the sole of the foot to the crown of the head, and retiring after a low salaam. I fancied I could perceive a pitiable shrinking of the suffering bridegroom from the bony hands of some of the elder ladies, and a gentle 1 Gen. i. 28. these harsh touches on her smooth face were absolutely painful. No doubt they were, but this is a "custom" in the East-a word of most extended meaning, powerful enough at all times to set aside any supposed necessity for reason, and affording an excuse for anything, however monstrous, absurd, or irrational. On entering the saloon, Cursetjee had introduced me to his mother, Lady Jemsetjee, a remarkably fine-looking person; her dress was a rich crimson satin saree, with a deep gold border, slippers worked in diamonds, and a nose jewel, composed of three large pearls, with an emerald pendant, an ornament which the Parsees, as well as the Mohammedans, very generally use. After the marriage I was presented to the bride, and had the pleasure of seeing her sweet face unveiled by gorgeous drapery. She wore trowsers of white satin embroidered in gold, a flowered lace under-dress, with a pale pink satin boddice, worked with an elaborate design in pearls of various sizes, her slippers and nose ring being similar to those of Lady Jemsetjee. Numerous strings of large pearls depended from her fair neck, and her arms were half hidden by rich ornaments. Her manner was graceful and quiet, and I am told she is accomplished and very amiable; speaking English, and having been educated by an Englishwoman, who was accustomed to tuition in England, and is herself well informed. And here I cannot avoid remarking with commiseration on the condition of many of my poor countrywomen in India, whose position appears to be, if not quite destitute, helpless and wretched in the extreme; one sketch of which will serve as the portrait of many. A young woman, for instance, of a large and impoverished family, the members of whom, perhaps, all occupy the most dependent, and generally degraded position of governesses in secondrate families, is induced, with the hope of assisting in missionary labours, to come to India. She marries, perhaps, a clerk in an office, or some man whose family have been unable to provide him with a profession. He gains chance employment, probably in an office, or as English writer to some native gentleman, where he gains lodging and some three pounds (thirty rupees) a month. Disappointment now brutalizes him, he strives to deaden its sense by stimulants; a young family increases care; the wife struggles to improve things by teaching among half-castes and Parsees, for a stipend less than her husband's; mutual recrimination too often follows; the unhappy woman, unable to return to her country, fails in health; and the scene is one over which we would willingly draw a curtain, wishing that society had no such scenes which have for its actresses our sorrowing sisters, sorrowing and helpless in a foreign and most ungenial clime. I had quitted Sir Jemsetjee's house, and was and festivities in which the Parsees delight so enjoying the refreshment of tea with my kind much, her fate does not materially differ from friend Manockjee Cursetjee, at his house, a few that of a young Englishwoman commencing the doors from the knight's, when my attention was duties and cherished responsibilities of a wife. excited by a blaze of light, which I found to And thus, sweet bride, with heartfelt good wishes proceed from hundreds of lanterns, swinging in and pleasant thoughts, we say farewell to thee! pairs from the tops of bamboos some ten feet Be thou as one among the "honourable women," high, and carried by coolies engaged to light the whose clothing is not only vestures "of gold procession of the bride to her husband's house. wrought about with needle-work," but whose An avenue was now formed, and the fair Feroze-"strength and honour are her clothing," and bhai appeared, surrounded by her female friends, whose "works praise her in the gates."1 and enveloped in a crimson saree, closely drawn Lips though rosy must be fed ;" and lips of round her face and figure. She was then care-a less charming hue must also receive sustefully placed in an open palankeen, decorated nance, despite ceremonies, cashmeres, and stiff with cushions and tassels of green and gold; muslins; the Parsees especially, too, agree in this was immediately raised, and borne between the idea that life in Bombay would be but a her male relatives, while the guests of both dull thing were it not illustrated by plates, as sexes attended it in distinct groups, but both poor Theodore hath it of London; consequently, men and women holding hands, and walking as soon as the bride had left her father's house, slowly, two and two. The innumerable lights dinner commenced, and as this entertainment gave full effect to this interesting scene, and was likely to last some hours, I thankfully actwo bands lent their aid to render it yet more cepted Manockjee's invitation to look through dramatic. his library; for which purpose we proceeded to his father's house. On the steps we met Manockjee's interesting little daughter, Koonverbhai, who had run home for a moment to change her delicate blue and silver saree for a less brilliant one, in anticipation of passing the evening in romps and pastime with the bride and her companions. The little lady was in high spirits and under great excitement, but gentle, well bred, and courteous, as ever. Placing her little soft hand in mine, she carefully led me up the winding staircase of the house, smiling and chatting all the way, in the most winning manner, and never for a moment betraying the anxiety she felt to return to her more congenial party. On entering the drawing-room we found a weary group, for six days and nights of festival will tire the most zealous in mirth and gaiety; Manockjee's younger son, Shereen, was especially so, and taking off his little body-coat and turban, and appearing in his loose muslin vest, scarlet trousers, and blue satin skull cap, he threw himself on a sofa, and was soon fast asleep. Manockjee's wife was also there, with her pretty round-faced little baby; but as she spoke only Guzerattee, the language now used by the Parsees, our intercourse was confined to an interchange of smiles. The looker-on could not but be impressed with the singularity of the procession, and the strange fact of this fair girl, whose life had been passed in the seclusion of her own splendid home, being thus brought forth and borne above the heads of the crowd, through the close streets of the crowded fort; a blaze of light cast on her delicate and shrinking form, and curiously gazed on by the lowest of the people; and, this misery past, to enter her husband's house, and lead a life secluded as before. Yet such is the "custom," painful and revolting though it be, and, as I remarked before, no further explanation is required. It was pleasant, however, to know that in the fate of this fair Parsee there was less harshness than attends the lives of many of those who dared scarcely look from their lattices upon her, a fact arising from the strictness of Mohammedan and Hindoo customs. Ferozebhai, it was pleasant to remember, had not married one old enough to be her father, the present husband perhaps of a trio of fair dames; nor had she been betrothed in childhood to one she could not but detest; she looks not forward to a life whose sole pleasure is gossip, whose chief luxury is sloth; in her case there is no funeral pyre, with its greedy flames, ever dancing before a terror-excited imagination. Happily, no. Her cousin husband has won her girlish heart; she fears not the influence of other wives, or any degradation at her husband's hands. She will have cheerful association with her friends, and possess a degree of liberty unknown to other Eastern women; by Parsee edict, no legal rival can dispute her power; and, but that the venetians of her carriage are only half-open to the morning and evening breezes, as she drives to her country houses, to enjoy the family pic-nics Soon after ten I left Manockjee Cursetjee's, to attend the natch at Sir Jemsetjee's "Bower," as the Parseees called it. The band of the 20th N. I. were still playing polkas with great zeal, and the guests had not yet left the feast. Cursetjee, Jemsetjee and the bridegroom, however, received us, and a servant presented a large salver, covered with bouquets of delicious roses; but no sooner had I taken one than he sprinkled it with scented water, from a golden golaubdani, which notion of adding as it were perfume to 1 Prov. xxxi. the violet," was too completely in native taste for me to approve. A few days before this the Meer, who had been at a large party at Sunkersett's, presented me a bouquet, every blossom in which was marred with gold leaf. Sir Jemsetjee's people were less barbarous in this case, but the little triangular packets of pan suparree, folded in fresh plantain leaf, were gilded most profusely. The dancing-room was elegantly decorated, spread with rich carpets, and lighted with massive silver candelabras and splendid chandeliers; the cornices and pilasters painted with garlands of flowers, evidently by a French artist, and the draperies of pale pink silk. The taifa consisted. of only two natch women, but good specimens of their profession; both were young and handsome, wearing the tight trowser and bell-shaped dress, of gauze, embroidered with gold. The contrast of colour was pretty; one dancer wearing dark crimson and gold, and her companion pale blue and silver. Natches resemble each other so nearly that a description of the present would be a work of supererogation indeed, and altogether intolerable to the reader; it is enough to say that the dancers at Sir Jemsetjee's were perfect in their art. They. advanced, retired, revolved, and advanced again, as usual, while the musicians grinned, and nodded, and stamped, and made horrible faces of intense excitement, as it is their duty to do. Thus the spectators were lulled and charmed by turns into a succession of the most perfect satisfactions. Behind the dancers a full curtain that depended from an arch excited my curiosity, and under pretence of viewing nearer the decorations of the salon, I peeped behind it. Stretching away to what really seemed an interminable distance, were supper-tables laden with rich plate, decorated with epergnes and roses, and abundantly studded with certain long-necked bottles, in vases of fresh ice. The guests now strolling in, I felt that, as the only European present, I might be considered an intruder on the scene, and after being escorted to my carriage by a strong party of "links," I proceeded through the fort. The will to return was, however, easier than the deed; for the town generally, and the Sunkersett bazaar, with its environs, were filled with wedding parties; lights flashed from every house, coloured Chinese paper lanterns swung from every porch, tomtoms were beaten, and singers screamed in loud discord on every side; fireworks cracked, and torchmen rushed wildly from street to street. It may be imagined that all this merry madness, combined with a bright moonlight, and a pair of very fresh and shying horses, rendered my homeward course rather an erratic one, making it late before we drove through the gates of Gergaum House, whither my friends, Meer Jaffur and Meer Acbar, the bidden guests, had preceded me, I found, some hours. 1812. CHARADE. M. D. G. WHEN aught of lustre charms the sight, My whole a gleam of fire seems, HARRY SUMNER'S REVENGE.' BY POLYDORE. CHAPTER V. "Ah! what a sign it is of evil life When death's approach is seen so terrible!" Second Part of K. Henry VI., Act iii. sc. 3. દ. ... the touching image of death stands Not as a fear to the wise, and not as an end to the pious." GÖTHE'S Herrmann and Dorothea, MR. LIONEL ROAKES was regaling his college friends and acquaintance with a handsome farewell breakfast, when the scout brought in a packet of letters. "Williams,-little and great Williams!" he remarked, as, after a hasty inspection of their exterior, he cast them unopened into a wicker basket under the table. "Dirty, malevolent bills! What can be the use of sending them in to one who has no pa-pa? Here are confirmed bilious symptoms;" and, holding up the basket, he turned over its contents. "Immortal Homeopathy! I could never survive but for that science of sciences!" "The most inveterate symptoms cured by infinitesimally small doses, eh?" drawled, the Honourable Mr. Browne, who was one of the guests. "Art "Splendid principle," continued Roakes. backs nature; helps her to knock over the confounded disease. Of course; how can there be any more symptoms when they're all spent?" The speaker had articulated these broken sentences in a rapid and indistinct manner, whilst he carelessly turned over and over the various envelopes in "What's this?" he suddenly exhis wicker basket. claimed, as he snatched from the rest a letter directed (1) Continued from p. 239. |