[4] From this custom probably originated that in England, of widows
        concealing their hair for a stated period after the death of
        their husbands.  Indeed, we know of more than one instance of a
        widow closely cutting off her hair.  But these sorrowful
        observances are becoming less and less frequent.—­Ed.

The Roman servants or slaves were not allowed to poll their hair, or shave their beards.  The Jews thought it ignominious to lose their beards, 2 Sam. c. x. v. 4.  Among the Catti, a nation of Germany, a young man was not allowed to shave or cut his hair till he had slain an enemy.  (Tacitus.) The Lombards or Longobards, derived their Fame from the great length of their beards.  When Otho the Great used to speak anything serious, he swore by his beard, which covered his breast.  The Persians are fond of long beards.  We read in Olearius’ Travels of a king of Persia who had commanded his steward’s head to be cut off, and on its being brought to him, he remarked, “what a pity it was, that a man possessing such fine mustachios, should have been executed,” but added he, “Ah! it was your own fault.”  The Normans considered the beard as an indication of distress and misery.  The Ancient Britons used always to wear the hair on the upper lip, and so strongly were they attached to this custom, that when William the Conqueror ordered them to shave their upper lip, it was so repugnant to their feelings, that many of them chose rather to abandon their country than resign their mustachios.  In the 15th century, the beard was worn long.  In the 16th, it was suffered to grow to an amazing length, (see the portraits of Bishop Gardiner, and Cardinal Pole, during Queen Mary’s reign,) and very often made use of as a tooth-pick case.  Brantome tells us that Admiral Coligny wore his tooth-pick in his beard.

C.B.Z.

* * * * *

SINGULAR CUSTOM AT ROUEN.

(For the Mirror.)

The chapter of Rouen, (which consists of the archbishop, a dean, fifty canons, and ten prebendaries,) have, ever since the year 1156, enjoyed the annual privilege of pardoning, on Ascension-day, some individual confined within the jurisdiction of the city for murder.

On the morning of Ascension-day, the chapter, having heard many examinations and confessions read, proceed to the election of the criminal who is to be pardoned; and, the choice being made, his name is transmitted in writing to the parliament, which assemble on that day at the palace.  The parliament then walk in procession to the great chamber, where the prisoner is brought before them in irons, and placed on a stool; he is informed that the choice has fallen upon him, and that he is entitled to the privilege of St. Romain.  After this form, he is delivered into the hands of the chaplain, who, accompanied by fifty armed men,