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30 And here when a vessel arrives we devour The news of six months in the space of an hour.

The customs of living are strange in th' extreme And to you my dear Parent will very odd seem.

Here they rise very late, and beginning to dress, Are surrounded by slaves for they can't do with less. Here the natives of India to caste do so cling, You scarcely get two to perform the same thing. One puts on a stocking, one holds a serie Another with chillumchees stands ready by, A third has a mirror, he brings to your view, A fourth fellow's tying the string of your shoe! Or perhaps if undressing, a bearer's undoing Your shoes or cravat, there's another shampooing Your arms or your legs whiche'er he may light on As famed Dean Mahomed shampoos you at Brighton I Equipp'd to the table they hie to partake Of breakfast, by far the best meal that they make. Then each his own business prepares to pursue But ere they proceed, smoke a chillum or two.

But now my dear father, 'tis full time to close This very long letter, or you may suppose That having commenc'd, I may never intend To bring my remarks on our town to an end. Adieu! then dear parent and long live to know That I'm always your dutiful son Shigram-Po!