her 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