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 © The City of ial 41

shove them a in the entrance hall. ‘The civil mandarins are received on the east side of the pavilion and the military on the west. They come in their robes of state to the number of a hundred or more, and, it being winter, are usually clothed in the richest of sables. Each has his attendants, who bring cushions for him to sit upon, and a trunk containing citizens’ clothing, so that he may be ready, should sudden news come of his removal from office, to adopt immediately the ordinary dress. It is interesting to watch their modes of greeting. As the civil mandarins come in, the first three or four greet each other on equal terms, each bowing low, with clasped hands. As those higher in rank appear, they greet the lower in groups of twos or threes, the Happo, or Superin- tendent of Customs, always a member of the royal family, giving one general bow to all, while the Viceroy responds to the low obeisance of the whole company with a horizontal stare, standing erect with his hands folded before his chest. The military kneel in squads as the Tartar general, their chief, comes in, while he responds by hurried bows as he hastens along the line. When all have assembled and daylight approaches, they proceed in a body to the second court, and face the open door of the hall where the tablet is seen. A crier is stationed, who calls the postures in a deep, sonorous voice, saying, “Kneel,” and they fall on their knees; “Bow the head,” and all bend over; “Prostrate yourselves,” and they fall on their faces; “ Arise,” and they all stand up. The order and number of these bows and prostrations are regulated by law. No form of prayer is offered.

Entering the old city through the “Gate of Literary