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

35G Tl BE T.10 tolerate, but even to recommend. Thus we find, that neither thepractice of polygamy in India, nor of polyandry in Tibet, is withoutitsadvocates.The influence of this custom on the manners of the people, as far asI. could trace, has not been unfavourable. Humanity, and an unartificialgentleness of disposition, are the constant inheritance of aTibetian.I never saw these qualities possessed by any people in a more eminentdegree. Without being servilely officious, they are alwaysobliging ; the higher ranks are unassuming ; the inferior, respectful intheir behaviour; nor are they at all deficient in attention to the femalesex ;but, as we find them moderate in all their passions, in this respect,also, their conduct is equally remote from rudeness and adulation.Comparatively with their southern neighbours, the women of Tibetenjoy an elevated station in society.To the privileges of unboundedliberty,the wife here adds the ciiaracler of mistress of the family, andcompiinion of her husbands. The company of all, indeed, she is notat all times entitled to expect. Different pursuits, either agriculturalemployments, or mercantile speculations,may occasionally cause thetemporary absence of each; yet whatever be the result, the profit ofthe labourer flows into the common store; and when lie returns, whatevermay have been his fortune, he issecure of a grateful welcome toa social home.To descant upon established usages, that have existed far beyondthe date of any written records, or the more obscure traces of tradition,ivith a view to discover their origin, or object, is indeed entering upon