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256
COPENHAGEN.
Chap. XVI.
collectand, unlocking the door of a similar ebony
cabinet, he displays to our admiring eyes the “ Crowns
of the Northern bridesancient Icelandic, modern
Icelandic,—ancient Norwegian, modern Norwegian,—
ancient Swedish, modern Swedish; all of silver-gilt, and
of very curious workmanship. It was a real labour of love
with the Professor to procure them. These crowns are
usually either heirlooms in wealthy families or the
property of the parish. In this case he had really cause
to rejoice in the misfortune of his friends : one family
about to emigrate to America gladly resigned their
hereditary possession for an equivalent in money; the
priest of a consumed parish-church considered the sale
of the ancient ornament a necessary evil to repair the
damage of the flames. Each crown has its history, added
to which let me state that this bridal gear is not always
required; pure and spotless must be the reputation of
the maiden who durst appear and challenge the scandal of
her village compeers; luckless the girl who would clothe
herself in undeserved plumage—the bridal crown and veil
may be recklessly torn from her head by the indignant
bystanders. No disgrace attends those who affect
nothing, and often out of twenty brides scarcely two
bear this symbol of maiden purity !
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