STATE OF MANNEllS. 



Ill 



was the donkeys, who from the absence of all bu- 

 siness were, for the first time in their lives, ex- 

 empted from labour. The men were miserable 

 from unwonted privation, apprehended loss of for- 

 tune, and wounded national pride. But the la- 

 dies, however annoyed by these circumstances, in 

 common with the rest of the world, still maintain- 

 ed their prerogative of having their own way ; a 

 right which, when acting in co-operation with the 

 impenetrable disguise of the Saya and Manto, 

 gave to manners a tone and character that may 

 be imagined, but cannot well be described. Nei- 

 ther would it be fair for a passing and busy visi- 

 tor, like myself, with his thoughts and attention 

 occupied by other objects, to give general opi- 

 nions upon the habits of a great city. But even 

 had our opportunities and leisure been greater, 

 the moment was singularly unpropitious, since 

 scarcely any circumstance in society occupied its 

 wonted place. Even in families, the effect of the 

 times was deeply felt : a particular view of poli- 

 tics was adopted by one member, the opposite by 

 another; some acted from principle, some from 

 interest, others from fear 5- thus, sincerity and 



