Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 634

1841.

Illustrations of Men and Things in China.

617

jects which the aspirant to fame will ever require to learn, couched In the most commendable brevity;-from the starry heavens to the grasshopper in the field, nothing is omitted. They occupy more than three fourths of the space surrounded by the garden wall—i, e. the covers of the book, and comprise a good many rare things. Along one of the sides of this garden, the youth is delighted with all kinds of formulas for letter-writing, and taught how to subscribe himself to all grades of people, and to all ranks of his relations;—not by “Your affectionate friend," " Your obedient servant," or " Your dutiful son," as barbarians do; but by, “Your foolish younger brother," "Your fool- ish nephew," "Your marriage cousin," &c. He is also taught how to comply with the rules of etiquette in the construction of his visiting and invitation cards, in his proposals for matrimony, and in his notes of condolence: truly as the sage says, "nothing is without its ceremo- nies." Next to this bed of delights, which may be called the Dutch end, where all the trees are clipped into the shape of gable roofs with one chimney, young gentlemen and ladies are brought to a plat, where they have specimens of letter-writing, and other documents necessary to the completion of a polite education. Among the best of the former, we select the following letter from a husband to his wife, and her answer.

Wandering in a distant land of strangers, how quickly has a year passed away! Always remembering my aged parents in their hall, and my little one in the arms, I depend upon my worthy wife to wait upon the one, and to bring up the other; thus, by reason of your constant and uniform conduct, my father and mother never having occasion to regret my want of filial duty towards them, nor my children the loss of my care and instruction, will evince the great affection of my worthy wife. In this foreign land, when I have obtained a little competence according to my wishes, packing up my bag- gage, I will quickly return home. But that you may not be continually an- xious for me, I send you a letter to calm you, together with a certain sum of money to use in the household expenses. Let every one of your apprehen- sions be removed, and fail not to make some allowances for me. To my worthy wife,

in her apartment, I her husband wishing peace, send this letter.

Reply.

Since you left the Hibiscus has twice bloomed. The orders given when you left have all been most diligently kept in my memory, not presuming to oppose them. Those in the high hall I have constantly waited upon, always doing it myself. The delicate girls and tender boys I have myself nourished; all the various duties of the household I have directed. You need have no anxiety upon these points, but while in your distant land, do your business, and, if possible, plan how to procure gain sufficient; then will you quickly return home, to wait upon your parents, and nourish all your little ones, causing all those of your own flesh and blood to rejoice together, filling the house with laughter. Then will not your aged parents lean upon the village gate longing for you, uor your poor handmaid sing the Gray hair ballad.

78

VOL. X. NO. XI.