FRATERNICUS.

SECTION XII.

Review of the Subject, and Suggestions for ameliorating the condition of
the Gypsies in the British Empire.

* * * * *

Since the commencement of the present year, 1816, a friend {221} of the
author has informed him, that about three weeks before, he was in company
with an English and a Persian gentleman, who had lately come from Persia,
through Russia; the latter well understood the languages of both
countries, and spoke them fluently. He had travelled with the Persian
Ambassador; and said that he had met with many hordes of Gypsies in
Persia; had many times conversed with them; and was surprised to find
their language was the true Hindostanie. He did not then know of
Grellmann's work. He further stated, that the Gypsies in Russia were, in
language and manners, the same, and exactly corresponded with the Gypsies
of this country. Their name in Persia signified _Black Eyes_.

From whatever part of the world we derive intelligence of this people, it
tends to corroborate the opinion, that they have all had one peculiar
origin. How little has it occupied the contemplation of Britons, that
there existed among them, subjects of such great curiosity as the poor
and despised Gypsies!

The statute of Henry VIII. imposing a fine of forty pounds upon the
importation of a Gypsey, induces the belief they were much in request in
England at that period. The attention which their low performances
attracted in those times, will not perhaps excite surprise, when we see
the encouragement given in our day, to their idly disposed countrymen,
termed, _Indian Jugglers_. It is remarkable, that the earliest account
of Gypsies in Great Britain, is in a work published to expose and detect
the "Art of Juggling," &c.

The first of this people who came into Europe, must have been persons of
discernment and discrimination, to have adapted their deceptions so
exactly to the genius and habits of the different people they visited, as
to ensure success in all countries.

The stratagem to which they had recourse on entering France, evinces
consummate artifice of plan, and not a little adroitness and dexterity in
the execution. The specious appearance of submission to papal authority,
in the penance of wandering seven years without lying in a bed, combined
three distinct objects. They could not have devised an expe