THE HISTORY OF COFFEE. 21 



silence, indolence, and stolidity are the prevailing characteris- 

 tics of the Turkish divan. In Persia, however, the scene is 

 changed ; there the coffee-houses are full of stir and activity. 

 Soon after morning prayers are announced from the minaret, the 

 people flock to their coffee-houses, which are often beautifully 

 decorated, and there they sip their coffee, smoke, and listen to 

 the wise sayings of Sadi, or the songs of Hafiz, or talk over the 

 news of the hour. 



Those who have visited the Havana and roamed through 

 that delightful city will remember with pleasurable sensations 

 the magnificent cafes, and especially the " Louvre." Sauntering 

 from the city gates, where the white-clad officials, with Panama 

 hats, demand from all travellers landing from the steamers a 

 silver fee for permission to remain a certain number of days 

 upon the island, the " looker-on at Vienna " strolls through the 

 lovely " Plaza de Armas " with its fountains and its flowers ; 

 halts for a few moments on the paved walks, and while lis- 

 tening to the music of the military band, admires the beautiful 

 faces and graceful toilets of the fair promenaders, who pass 

 and repass under the lamps, enjoying the tropical twilight. 

 Taking a victoria, which is the popular vehicle always to be 

 found ready to convey passengers to any part of the city, he is 

 whirled past the palace of the Governor-General, and through 

 narrow streets, between the massive walls of houses on either 

 side, until he alights at the " Louvre." This cafe is situated 

 opposite the Tacon theatre, which is known for its elegance 

 of construction and rich appointments. Facing it is a 

 splendid park, used as a promenade during the evening, 

 when it is brilliantly illuminated. It is the fashionable resort 

 for promenaders. The scene is worth witnessing, presenting 

 a changing panorama of brilliant variety, while richly ap- 

 pointed equipages, volantes and other vehicles, all gayly 

 equipped, are constantly passing. 



