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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). 



[Vol. X. 



is accordingly signified through the envoy to the opposite 

 party. A short interval having elapsed, a formal deputation 

 from the bride's family is sent to that of the bridegroom for 

 the confirmation of the sampantam already informally 

 concluded. 



On an auspicious day, or rather night, agreed on by the 

 parties, and after some light refreshment, a band of fifteen 

 or twenty friends of the bride's family proceed to the 

 house of the future bridegroom, where they are welcomed 

 by his friends and accommodated with seats on the matted 

 floor spread for the occasion with white cloths, and served 

 with the inevitable betel. Hereupon a solemn farce is 

 enacted. The host or head of the family addresses his 

 visitors collectively thus : "Our estimable relatives and friends, 

 to what good luck does my house owe this unexpected 

 yet welcome visit at this time of night ? How can I recom- 

 pense the honour you have done me ? " The office of spokes- 

 man is not always filled by the head of the family. If he is 

 not gifted with eloquence, some good speaker is chosen. In 

 reply, the spokesman on the other side says : " The sun 

 and the moon have their forces of attraction and gravitation, 

 the earth and all therein are happily influenced by the same 

 laws of nature : as there are affinities in nature, so there 

 are certain affinities between men, a proper union of which, 

 as in the case of the diamond, may produce the richest 

 gem ! " This speech is received with silent acclamation, 

 no cheering, clapping of hands, or other noisy demonstra- 

 tion being considered correct. A general grin exhibits 

 the appreciation of the audience. The speaker then con- 

 tinues : " Considering these universal laws of affinity and 

 attraction, is it strange that we should be drawn hither 

 by the brilliance of Ahamadu's house and his countenance ? " 

 A great deal more is said in the same inflated strain, and the 

 speaker on concluding is greeted with a grin of approbation 

 that reflects each wick in every lamp sixteen times in the 

 marble-white teeth of each member of the assemblage. After 

 much more palaver of this kind it is elicited that the deputa- 



