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A new edition of Toland's History of the druids: - Free History Ebooks

A new edition of Toland's History of the druids: - Free History Ebooks

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for labor.OF THE DRUll:)S. 225But I sliou'd never have done, if I proceededwith <strong>the</strong> particular usages <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> northand west ilanders.Several <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m retain'd from<strong>the</strong> remotest times <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Druids, are explain'd inthis and <strong>the</strong> preceding letters. Yet one custom(very singular) I cannot help relating here, tho'long since grown obsolete;or ra<strong>the</strong>r that it hasbeen in disuse, ever since <strong>the</strong>ir conversion toChristianity.When a man had a mind to have awife *, as soon as he gain'd <strong>the</strong> consent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> maidhe lik'd, he took her to his bed and board for awhole year; and if, upon thus coming thoroly acquaintedwith <strong>the</strong> conditions both <strong>of</strong> her mind andbody, he kept her any longer, she <strong>the</strong>n becamehis wife all her days: but if he dislik'd her tosuch a degree on any account, as to be perswadedshe should not make him easy during life,he return'dher (with her portion, if she had any) at <strong>the</strong>twelve month's end to her parents or guardians •legitimating <strong>the</strong>children, and maintaining <strong>the</strong>nxat his own charge, in case <strong>the</strong>re were such.Norwas this repudiation any dishonor or disadvantageto<strong>the</strong> young woman in <strong>the</strong> eyes <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>rman, who thought she wou'd make him a betterwife, or that he might to her be a better husband.It was a custom, I must own, like to prevent aworld <strong>of</strong> unhappy matches; but, according to ourmodern ideas, 'tis not onely unlawful, but alsobarbarous.*Page 114.

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