An Embassy to the Court of the Teshoo Lama in Tibet - Prajna Quest

TIBET. 209much to their clumsy appearance, is a coat of long hair, such asnature seems to have denied to bears within the tropics. They arenever shod, either here or in Bootan.The Tibetians are a very humane, kind people ;I have, personally,had numberless opportunities of observing this disposition : one instancemay be as good as a thousand.Soon after we alighted at ourencampment, being much oppressed by a violent head-ach, I wenttolie down in my tent, upon a carpet, and had not composed myselfmore than half an hour, when Iperceived my conductor, Paima, creepingsoftly into the tent ; he advanced, and searching about, found asurtout coat and a cloth wrapper, both which he brought and carefiallylaid over me : I took no notice of what he was about, for I was inpain, and not inclined to speak. He went away, but a short timeafter, another Tartar came in, who, gently raising my head with hishand, attempted to draw away a small wooden bench, on which Iwas reclining, the place of which he meant to supply with a pillow hehad brought for that purpose. His civility disturbed me much, for Ihad settled my covering, and accommodated myself to the height ofthe bench: but, rather than enter into a discussion, for the sake ofquiet I was induced to permit the change ; this, however, was no disparagementto his good intentions, which, I am sure, were suggestedby the genuine impulse of humanity. These circumstances made alasting and favourable impression on my mind ; and, in justice to thenational character, I take a pleasure in recording this striking instanceof tenderness and attention, so different from the ferocity commonlyannexed to our ideas of a Tartar. My friend will be remembered, I