Dr. Warren next starts a question as to their moral identity, and says—"There is no reason to doubt that the intellectual operations of the two are as perfectly distinct as those of any two individuals who might be accidentally confined together. Whether similarity of education, and identity of position as to external objects, have inspired them with any extraordinary sameness of mental action, I am unable to say—any farther, at least, than that they seem to agree in their habits and tastes." The concluding observation is on their separation, which we may remark, appears to be to them a painful subject; for whenever it is mentioned, they weep bitterly. Dr. Warren thinks an attempt to cut the cord, or separate them, would be attended with danger, though not necessarily fatal, and as they are happy in their present state, he reasonably enough thinks such an operation uncalled for. "Should one die before the other," adds he, "they should be cut apart immediately." He, however, quotes a case from Ambrose Paré, of two girls united by the forehead, one of whom died at ten years of age, when a separation was made; and the wound of the surviving girl soon proved fatal.

From the report of Drs. Mitchill and Anderson, we collect their opinion that the band which joins these boys, has a canal with a protrusion of viscera from the abdomen of each boy, upon every effort of coughing or other exercise. The sense of feeling on the skin of this band is connected with each boy, as far as the middle of its length from his body. There can be no doubt, but that if the band was cut across at any part, a large opening would be made into the belly of each, and the wound prove fatal.

Such are the principal and most popular descriptive details of the Siamese Youths, with the substance of the reports of the American physicians who have examined them. Of course, we look with some anxiety for the opinions of the professional men of our own country. Of equal importance are the questions connected with the minds of the two youths, which can only be settled by continued observation. The phenomenon is altogether of the most attractive character, and will doubtless receive all the attention it deserves from our savans, as well as from all those who delight in witnessing the curiosities of Nature.

CURTIUS

A DRAMATIC SKETCH

(For the Mirror.)

The Roman Forum.—An opening in the ground. M. Curtius, Soothsayers, and a vast concourse of Citizens

Cit.—Place ingot upon ingot, till the mass exceed The bulk of Croesus' wealth, or Sardanapalus' pile. Let every Roman contribution bring An offering worthy of his house, since what Is valued most must in the gulf be cast, To save us from an overwhelming death. A richer treasure than the gorgeous Xerxes knew Will we entomb. Cur.—How base the offering that were made in gold. What are riches to the blood that flows Within a good man's veins? rather let him Who is the wisest, bravest, best amongst us Fall in this fearful pit. Now ye who read The hidden books of nature say—who is The man most envied by his fellows,—by the gods Most lov'd?—That man is more than all the gems This teeming earth can boast. Name but that man And in an instant shall the debt be paid; For Rome's best patriot is her greatest good. Sooth.—Ay, noble Curtius, and that man art thou, Thy words proclaim thy patriotic blood! Thy tongue first names the gift that angry heav'n Asks of rebellious earth. We need thy life. Destruction hovers o'er the trembling crew, That fills this little forum. Thou alone, The noblest, bravest, wisest, best of us, Canst scare the monster from the frowning skies, And fill the gulf that yawns beneath us. Die, Curtius, and thy name shall be enroll'd With gods and heroes—honour'd, lov'd, and fam'd. When senates are forgot! Cur.—Since then by dying I can refound Rome, For Rome preserv'd is built and born again. Be mine a Roman's death. Else 'twere in vain That once Eneas toil'd—that Romulus bore sway! In vain the matron's tears subdued her flinty son! In vain did Manlius for his country fight! In vain Lucretia and Virginia bleed! Romans, farewell!—I look around and see A band of augurs—an assembled senate, Plebeians and patricians— A people and a nation met together In council to avert calamity, And all are friends. Farewell, farewell, farewell! Favourites of Fortune what is it to die? Ye sons of pleasure! look on him who once Did sternly look on you—who dies for you! Scions of Victory! how cracks the heart, In that short moment of a bright career, When the last echo from the couch of Fame Falls on the dying ear? Oh! this mine act Were best done whilst the blood is warm—lest time For thought should mar the purpose. Thought?—a glorious deed Needs none. Come horse!—and at one fearful bound Plunge in the gulf beneath!

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The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829

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CURTIUS

A DRAMATIC SKETCH

(For the Mirror.)

The Roman Forum.—An opening in the ground. M. Curtius, Soothsayers, and a vast concourse of Citizens

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