offered to him in the Chinese way, he looked to the right and
left, and seeing ours differently prepared, held up his cup
to the-servant, for milk and sugar, which being given to him,
the old gentleman remained perfectly satisfied.
The politeness and ease with which he accommodated
himself to the habits of people so different from himself,
were truly admirable; and when it is considered, that
hitherto, in all probability, he was ignorant even of our
existence, his propriety of manners should seem to point,
not only to high rank in society, but to imply also a degree
of civilization in tha t society, not confirmed by other circumstances.
Be this as it may, the incident is curious, as
shewing, that however different the state of society may be
in different countries, the forms of politeness are much alike
in all. This polished character was very well sustained by the
old Chief; as he was pleased with our attempts to oblige him,
and whatever we seemed to care about, he immediately took
an interest in. He was very inquisitive, and was always
highly gratified when he discovered the use of any thing
which had puzzled him at first. But there was no idle surprise,
no extravagant bursts of admiration, and he certainly
would be considered a man of good breeding, and keen observation,
in any part of the world. Towards his own people,
indeed, he was harsh and impatient a t all times; but this
may have arisen from his anxiety tha t no offence should be
given to us by the other natives, whom he might know were
less delicate and considerate than himself, and therefore
required Constant control.
When breakfast was over, and the old man once more
upon deck, we endeavoured to signify to him that we meant
to land, according to our engagement yesterday evening;
but this he either did not, or would not comprehend; for
whenever we pointed towards the shore, he directed our
attention to the frigate. At length he got into his boat,
pushed off, and was making for the Alceste, when Captain
Maxwell followed in his boat, and drawing up alongside of
birpj tried to prevail upon him to accompany us to the
village: the Chief shook his head by way of disapprobation,
and turning towards his attendants, entered into a discussion
with them, which terminated by the Courtier and himself
stepping into Captain Maxwell’s boat.
We ascribed this measure to a desire on the Chief’s part
to show publicly that he had not himself invited us on
shore, and had only acceded to our request to land.. We
had not proceeded far before the Chief repented of his
ready compliance, and tried, to persuade us to re tu rn ; but
finding the ordinary, signs of no avail, he held his head
down and drew his hand across his throat, as if his head