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

234 TIBET.very conversant with the various customs of different nations, and whoprobably would have considered, any obvious deviation from theirown, in no very favourable point of view, I never hesitated, whenwaiting upon the Chief, to salute him in his own way- The letters Ireceived in Tibet and Bootan, were constantly accompanied by apelong scarf, and, in conformity with the custom, I always sent one inreturn. Of so much moment indeed, in their estimation, is the observanceof this formality, that Mr. Goodlad, the Resident at Rungpore,informed me, that the Raja of Bootan, once returned to him a letter hehad forwarded from the Governor General, merely because itcameunattended with this bulky incumbrance, to testify itsauthenticity.We passed this day with little or no interruption, in a high degreesensible of the superior comfort of a warm and solidhabitation, overthin and airy tents.The season was already becoming, to the sensationsof a people who had not long quitted the tropics, most keenlycold ;and the quiet and retirement we now enjoyed, afforded us a comfortablerelief from the fatigue and restlessness of mind, produced bythe bustle of a long and rapid journey. Our habitation was found,upon examination, greatly to exceed our expectations.The rooms werecommodious, and even elegant ; and the arrangement of every thingwas as convenient as could possibly be wished. We occupied a partof the palace of the lateststructure, which had been built by the lateTeshoo Lama, for his private residence.We had already been abundantly supplied, with all that couldsatisfy the calls of our immediate wants. Servants belonging to theRegent's household were appointed to attend me, not only in the