* * * * *
CIRCASSIAN WOMEN.--We observed two women looking out of a balcony, and
earnestly beckoning to us. We entered the house, and saw two Russian
grenadiers, who by a mistake of their corporal had taken their quarters
here, and whose presence was the cause of the inquietude manifested by
the two ladies, who, with an old man, were the only inhabitants of the
house. Whilst the soldiers were explaining these things to us, they
appeared at the top of the stairs, and again renewed their invitation
by violent gesticulations. On a nearer approach, we guessed by their
age that they were mother and daughter. The former, who still preserved
much of the freshness and beauty of youth, wore very wide trousers, a
short tunic, and a veil, which fell in graceful folds on her back; while
round her neck she had some valuable jewels, though badly mounted. With
respect to the daughter, who was scarcely fifteen years of age, she was
so extraordinarily beautiful, that both my companion and myself remained
awhile motionless, and struck with admiration. Never in my life have I
seen a more perfect form. Her dress consisted of a short white tunic,
almost transparent, fastened only at the throat by a clasp. A veil,
negligently thrown over one shoulder, permitted part of her beautiful
ebony tresses to be seen. Her trousers were of an extremely fine tissue,
and her socks of the most delicate workmanship. The old man received us
in a room adjoining the staircase; he was seated on the carpet, smoking a
small pipe, according to the custom of the inhabitants of the Caucasus,
who cultivate tobacco. He made repeated signs to us to sit down, that
is to say, in the Asiatic manner--a posture extremely inconvenient for
those who like ourselves wore long and tight trousers, whilst the two
beautiful women on their side earnestly seconded his request. We complied
with it, though it was the first time that either of us made the essay.
The ladies, having left the room for a moment, returned with a salver
of dried fruits, and a beverage made with sugar and milk; but I was so
much engaged in admiring their personal attractions, that I paid but
little attention to their presents. It appeared to me an inconceivable
caprice of nature to have produced such prodigies of perfection amidst
such a rude and barbarous people, who value their women less than their
stirrups. My companion, who like myself was obliged to accept of their
refreshments, remarked to me, whilst the old man was conversing with
them, what celebrity a woman so transcendantly beautiful as the daughter
was, would acquire in any of the capitals of Europe, had she but received
the benefits of a suitable education.--_New Monthly Magazine._
* * * * *
Printed and published every Saturday by GUNN and CAMERON, at
the Office of the General Advertiser, No. 6, Church Lane,
College Green, Dublin.--Agents:--R. GROOMBRIDGE, Panyer Alley,
Paternoster Row, London; SIMMS and DINHAM, Exchange Street,
Manchester; C. DAVIES, North John Street, Liverpool; SLOCOMBE &
SIMMS, Leeds; JOHN MENZIES, Prince’s Street, Edinburgh; & DAVID
ROBERTSON, Trongate, Glasgow.