A man, by gypsy law, brother, is allowed to kick and beat his wife, and to bury her alive, if he thinks proper.

I am a gypsy, and have nothing to say against the law." "But what has Mikailia Chikno to say about it ?" "She is a cripple, brother, the only cripple amongst the Roman people: so she is allowed to do and say as she pleases.

Moreover, her husband does not think fit to kick or beat her, though it is my opinion she would like him all the better if he were occasionally to do so, and threaten to bury her alive; at any rate, she would treat him better, and respect him more." "Your sister does not seem to stand much in awe of Jasper Petulengro, Ursula." "Let the matters of my sister and Jasper Petulengro alone, brother; you must travel in their company some time before you can understand them; they are a strange two, up to all kind of chaffing: but two more regular Romans don't breathe, and I'll tell you, for your instruction, that there isn't a better mare-breaker in England than Jasper Petulengro, if you can manage Miss Isopel Berners as well as.

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." "Isopel Berners," said I, "how came you to think of her ?" "How should I but think of her, brother, living as she does with you in Mumper's dingle, and travelling about with you; you will have, brother, more difficulty to manage her, than Jasper has to manage my sister Pakomovna.