330 The Natural Historg 



business relating to the Affairs of the Government, and the 

 audience of Foreign Ambassadors from other Indian Kings; 

 likewise their consultations for wageing and making of War, 

 Proposals of Trade with their ^Neighbouring Indians or 

 Europeans, who happen to come amongst them, and there 

 determine what may be most convenient for them to act, and 

 what to omit, old Age being always held in as great venera- 

 tion amongst them, as any People you shall find in any part 

 of the World. 



It is to be observed, that during their consultations no 

 manner of interruption is given to the Speaker, who gets up 

 and declares to the Auditors what he thinks most advisable 

 to be done in the Affair then depending; as soon as he has 

 finished what he thinks proper to say on that Subject, he sits 

 down and then the second proceeds after the same method, 

 and so all the rest in their turns, and lastly their King, not 

 one Word to be heard, or even a whisper during their whole 

 conference but from him that stands up. The whole As- 

 sembly giving a gTeat deal of attention to what each Person 

 relates on that head, a profound silence and exact decorum 

 being used during the Oration. 



And it is even remarkable amongst them in their common 

 Discourse, that they never interrupt each other, none offer- 

 ing to open his Mouth till the other has finished what he has 

 to say on the Subject. This practice I am perswaded wou'd 

 be of great use and advantage to the Europeans, who are so 

 subject to interrupt each other, before they can utter their 

 intentions, frequently judging from a few Words spoken, the 

 whole Cause before they have heard the Merits of it. 



These People are naturally very subtile and sharp witted, 

 and ready to conceive our meaning by Signs, and to make 

 answers to be understood again. If they have not seen the 



thing 



