"Let not the ranks of the good be defiled by the presence of him
who has betrayed his trust."
I never knew an instance of the trust confided to the Marriage Councils
being in any way abused. None are selected for the office, who have not,
after years of probation, shown themselves in every way worthy of the
sacred trust.
A severe punishment would attend any deviation from the strict path of
honour; the offender, condemned to wear "the dress of shame," would
probably be degraded from his rank. After a time had passed, sufficient
to exhibit his punishment as a warning to others, he would, perhaps, be
banished to a distant country. It should be understood that every other
part of our world is less agreeable than Montalluyah.
The dress of shame to which I have just referred, is a common robe
formed of one piece, and of sombre colour, on which dress are placed
marks indicating the nature of the offence and the name of the offender.
Similar marks are likewise placed over his house, and are well
understood by the people.
Independently of the deep degradation implied by this costume, the
entire privation of his ordinary dress would alone be a punishment to
the offender, for the people are very fond of dressing well. I
encouraged the love of dress particularly in woman, for I thought that
when properly regulated it was good, and heightened the beauty of the
picture. With us the style of dress and the taste of its arrangement are
thought indications of the mind within, but none are allowed to dress or
wear jewels beyond their station.
After marriage ladies, according to their rank, are allowed to wear very
rich costumes. The textures are beautiful and the colours very
brilliant.