were yet young, Amonober our father died, and was gathered to his
fathers, and today he calmly rests by the side of his illustrious
brother, King Josiah. Thus the best of mothers was left a widow with her
fatherless children. Thy servants, feeling it no less a pleasure than a
duty, endeavored to comply with our father's dying request, by being ever
kind to our beloved mother. Thus time passed away for two years, and our
pathway once more seemed to be bright and pleasant, when suddenly our
mother died. Thy servants were called to stand by the side of her couch
before she departed, and these were her parting words:

"'To you, my sons, I commit my sweet Perreeza! Let her youthful feet be
tenderly watched by the eyes of love. Whisper words of sweet, brotherly
affection in her youthful ears. Oh, deal gently and kindly with the dear,
motherless lamb! Remember the dying request of a mother, and throw your
arms of protection around your orphan sister.'

"Having concluded these words, our mother closed her eyes, and gave up
the ghost. This beloved object of a mother's dying request has been, for
many years, the center of thy servants' joy and happiness, and one smile
from our own Perreeza will often turn our darkness into day. Our love for
her is returned with all the ardor of a sister's pure affection. The sad
news of our destined departure from this our native land has well-nigh
overwhelmed her heart with sorrow. The thought of parting makes her
spirit faint; and thy servants are sincere when they assure their
compassionate master that they greatly fear that, if compelled to be
separated from her brothers, Perreeza will sink under the deep weight of
sorrow, and pass away to the spirit land. In compliance with her very
urgent request, thy servants at this time stand as petitioners before
their benevolent superior. We are not here to ask to be released from any
demand. We patiently yield to the stern necessity that calls us away; but