in
those societies; and it is not a tradition in America, for nowhere is
it less thought of, or of less use, than in a rough English colony; the
essentials of civilisation there depend on far different influences.

And manner, being so useful and so important, usages and customs grow
up to develop it. Asiatic society is full of such things, if it should
not rather be said to be composed of them.

'From the spirit and decision of a public envoy upon ceremonies and
forms,' says Sir John Malcolm, 'the Persians very generally form their
opinion of the character of the country he represents. This fact I had
read in books, and all I saw convinced me of its truth. Fortunately the
Elchee had resided at some of the principal courts of India, whose
usages are very similar. He was, therefore, deeply versed in that
important science denominated "Kaida-e-nishest-oo-berkhast" (or the art
of sitting and rising), in which is included a knowledge of the forms
and manners of good society, and particularly those of Asiatic kings
and their courts.

'He was quite aware, on his first arrival in Persia, of the consequence
of every step he took on such delicate points; he was, therefore,
anxious to fight all his battles regarding ceremonies before he came
near the footstool of royalty. We were consequently plagued, from the
moment we landed at Ambusheher, till we reached Shiraz, with daily
almost hourly drilling, that we might be perfect in our demeanour at
all places, and under all circumstances. We were carefully instructed
where to ride in a procession, where to stand or sit within-doors, when
to rise from our seats, how far to advance to meet a visitor, and to
what part of the tent or house we were to follow him when he departed,
if he was of sufficient rank to make us stir a step.

'The regulations of our risings and standings, and movings and
reseatings, were, however, of comparatively less importance than the
time and manner of smoking our Kellians and taking our coffee. It is
quite astonishing how much depends upon coffee and tobacco in Persia.
Men are gratified or offended, according to the mode in which these
favourite refreshments are offered. You welcome a visitor, or send him
off, by the way in which you call for a pipe or a cup of coffee. Then
you mark, in the most minute manner, every shade of attention and
consideration, by the mode in which he is treated. If he be above you,
you present these refreshments yourself, and do