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Dr. Busby, a famous schoolmaster, was a severe but not ill-natured man. It is related of him and of his scholars, that during the absence of the doctor from his study, one of the boys, finding some plums in it, and being moved to lickerishness, began to eat them. First, however, he waggishly called out: ‘"I publish the banns of matrimony between my month and these plums. If any here present know just cause why they should not be united, you are to declare it now or hereafter hold your peace."’ But the Doctor had overheard the proclamation, and said nothing until the next morning, when, causing the boy to be brought up and disposed for punishment, he grasped the well known instrument and said, ‘"I publish the banns of matrimony between this rod and boy; if any of you know just cause or impediment why they should not be united, you are to declare it,"’ The boy cried out, ‘"I forbid the banns;"’ ‘"For what cause?"’ inquired the doctor. ‘"Because the parties are not agreed,"’ said the boy. The Doctor enjoyed the validity of the objection urged by the boy's wit, and the ceremony was not performed.
The Daily Dispatch: June 22, 1861. Richmond Dispatch. 4 pages. by Cowardin & Hammersley. Richmond. June 22, 1861. microfilm. Ann Arbor, Mi : Proquest. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm.
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