The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829Various
General
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829
Various
Popular literature -- Great Britain -- Periodicals
In their ordinary motions they may be said to resemble two persons
waltzing. In a room they seem to roll about, as it were, but when they
walk to any distance, they proceed straight forward with a gait like
other people. As they rise up or sit down, or stoop, their movements
are playful, though strange, not ungraceful, and without the
appearance of constraint. The average height of their countrymen is
less than that of Europeans, and they seem rather short for their age,
even judging them by their own standard. They are much shorter than
the ordinary run of youths in this country at eighteen years of age,
and are both of the same height. In personal appearance there is a
striking resemblance between them; this, however, is but on first
impression, for, on closer examination, considerable difference will
be observed. The colour of their skin and form of the nose, lips, and
eyes, denote them as belonging to the Chinese; but they have not that
broad and flat face which is characteristic of the Mingol race. Their
foreheads are higher and narrower than those of their countrymen
generally. Both are lively and intelligent; they pay much attention to
what is passing around them; and are very grateful for any little
attention that is paid to them. As a proof of their intelligence, it
may be stated that they learned to play at Draughts very readily, and
were soon able to beat those who had assisted in teaching them. Their
appearance is perfect health. To their friends and attendants, and to
each other, they are said to be much attached. They appear to be
excellent physiognomists, for they read the countenance of the visiter
readily, and are easily affronted with any contemptuous expressions.
It is said they have not learnt any manual art beyond rowing a boat,
but they can run and jump, and climb cracks and rigging with great
facility. They are dressed in short, loose, green jackets and
trousers, the costume of their country, which is very convenient, and
allows the utmost freedom of motion, but does not show the form of the
boys to advantage. With their arms twined round each other, as they
bend down or move about, they look like a group of statuary. Dr.
Warren, in his report, states that he _never heard them speak to each
other_, though they were very fond of talking with a young Siamese,
who was brought with them as a companion. They, however, appear to
have a means of communication more rapid than by words. The point most
worthy of remark, in regard to their actions and movements, is, that
they seem, generally speaking, to be actuated but by one will; and
that from whichever of them the volition of the moment proceeds, it
seems imperative upon both. Occasionally, there is an exception to
this remark--as, on the voyage from Siam to the United States, when
one wanted to bathe, and the other refused, on account of the coldness
of the weather, they quarrelled on the subject.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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