There are no women in the world more modest than Gvpsy women. They have got a high moral character. Personally they, naturally, consider themselves very moral: nane lubnia li romania (Gypsy women are no harlots) declared a south Italian Gypsy. Adultery among Gypsies is very rare, and is severely punished. Not a whisper of scandal attaches to a Romani woman. They are brilliant by examples of morality to all by whom they are surrounded. A Romani girl has to prove her virginity on the night of consummation of her marriage; otherwise she is sent back to her parents as no boy would accept such a girl. A Rom will never betray you. The following verse sums up the general moral character of a Rom :
You can trust a Rom for your best friend
You can trust a Rom to the end ;
He won't rob you, he won't lie-
You can trust him till you die ;
But, hate him, and you'will come off worse,
For he can haunt you with a curse !(1)(2)
1. Manfri Frederic Wood. In the Life of a Romany Gypsy. Routledge and Kegan Paul. London and Boston P. 116.
2. Editor's note: Of course we can ignore the "curse"!! (Peter)