{291} Ursula is evidently intended by Borrow to typify the gypsy chi.  And the key to the type is supplied in the Gypsies in Spain (see especially chap. vii.).  The gypsies, says Borrow, arc almost entirely ignorant of the grand points of morality; but on one point they are in general wiser than those who have had far better opportunities than such unfortunate outcasts of regulating their steps and distinguishing good from evil.  They know that chastity is a jewel of high price, and that conjugal fidelity is capable of occasionally flinging a sunshine even over the dreary hours of a life passed in the contempt of almost all laws, whether human or divine.  There is a word in the gypsy language to which those who speak it attach ideas of peculiar reverence, far superior to that connected with the name of the Supreme Being, the creator of themselves and the universe.  This word is Lacha, which with them is the corporeal chastity of the females; we say corporeal chastity, for no other do they hold in the slightest esteem; it is lawful among them, nay praiseworthy, to be obscene in look, gesture and discourse, to be accessories to vice, and to stand by and laugh at the worst abominations of the Busne (gorgios, or gentiles) provided their Lacha ye trupos, or corporeal chastity, remains unblemished.  The gypsy child, from her earliest years, is told by her strange mother that a good Calli need only dread one thing in this world, and that is the loss of her Lacha, in comparison with which that of life is of little consequence, as in such an event she will be provided for, but what provision is there for a gypsy who has lost her Lacha.  “Bear this in mind, my child,” she will say, “and now eat this bread and go forth and see what you can steal.”  The Romany, in a word, is the sect of the Husbands (and Wives) and their first precept is this:  Be faithful to the Roms (husbands) and take not up with the gorgios, whether they be raior (gentlemen) or baior (fellows).

{293} Godly book.

{295a} Chore, to steal.

{295b} Hokkawar, to cheat.

{295c} Lubbeny, the whore.

{296} God.

{298} Choomer, a kiss.

{299a} Uncle.

{299b} Father.

{301} Batu, father; coko, uncle.

{302a} Law.

{302b} With child.

{303} Tan, tent.

{305} Tent.

{306} Old Fulcher was an amateur in the meanest kinds of petty larceny whose deplorable end is described in chapter xli. of the Romany Rye.

{307} The boxer who lost the fight near the Castle Hill (Norwich).

{312} Poknees, magistrate.

{318} Steal.

{326} See Introduction, p. 9.  This is the book the MS. of which Lavengro sold for 20 pounds, and upon the proceeds of which he started upon the ramble which led him to the dingle.  The Life of Joseph Sell is not known to Bibliography; but the incident is nevertheless probably drawn from Borrow’s own career.