NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



9S 



IThese modes of the country gave, however, to the Vicerey and his 

 courtiers great facility in the distribution of graces and favours. A look, 

 a smile, a bow, — for a well-bred Portuguese never uses the familiar nod, — 

 but above all, a visit from him, were boons devoutly wished, and eagerly 

 sought after. Such visits were bestowed with great condescension, and 

 received with corresponding satisfaction. Among the higher classes, this 

 led to frequent, extensive, and agreeable freedoms ; for where the great 

 man went, the lesser ones generally flocked, and the master of the house 

 was as anxious to display the distinction with which he was honoured, 

 as he was proud to receive it. He thus became habitually courteous and 

 affable ; the slightest acquaintance with the master was a sufficient intro- 

 duction to the house, and gave authority to introduce also, the friend of 

 a friend's friend, to the tenth remove. The person, who now presided, 

 did not forget that the next evening he should become a guest, and 

 that then he would have to seek the notice, which he now dispensed. 

 A habit of ease and urbanity was, in this way introduced, which 

 has been ill exchanged for more select parties and ceremonious 

 behaviour. 



None can more keenly feel, nor more sincerely lament, the change, 

 than the middle classes of Brazilians. The poor also, partake of their 

 regrets; for where the masters assembled, their dependants and slaves 

 followed, and received and paid their humbler court with imitative ease 

 and mimic politeness. Among their superiors, cards, music, and fruit filled 

 up the evening; a fine climate, splendid moonlight or numerous lamps^ 

 good humour, and great gaiety of spirits, stole away the hours ; and 

 lateness alone dispersed the company. 



But if the change of circumstances, occasioned by the emigration 

 of the Royal Family anS its followers, was thus painful to many of the 

 Brazilians, they saw the new comers in much more serious distress. — 

 Noiie but those, who were allowed a frequent and near approach to the 

 court, can conceive the straits, to which it was reduced. 



The late Queen was advanced to an age, when changes make but 

 slight impressions, provided the accustomed personal comforts be not 



