NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



245 



The unsettled state of Portugal occasioned a large influx of inhabi- 

 tants ; many came thither from other disturbed parts of Europe ; some 

 also from the different provinces of Brazil, and other foreign possessions 

 of the Crown. Some were attracted by the prospect of commercial 

 advantages ; more, perhaps, by the desire of witnessing the growing 

 splendour of their country, of forming new connexions, learning new 

 modes, and sharing the admiration with which wealth and influence are 

 usually attended. Not a few came to seek for favour at the hands of the 

 new rulers, to appeal to them for redress in cases of injustice and 

 oppression, or, by the tender of their services, to obtain a share in the 

 good things which were distributed. 



At Court there began to appear some resemblance of European 

 magnificence. The great and wealthy met there a welcome reception, 

 not only on account of the degree in which they could render themselves 

 intrinsically useful, but for the additional lustre which they communicated 

 to Royalty and its satellites. The old Court dress was required; the 

 private gentry became more attentive to propriety and taste in their 

 modes of dress ; and state liveries were introduced similar to those of 

 Lisbon. Houses and their furniture made a proportionate advance in 

 convenience and show ; carriages were becoming numerous, some of them 

 splendid, and, when proceeding to Court, were drawn by horses instead 

 of mules, and attended by white servants instead of slaves. The Levees 

 of the Prince were frequent and respectable; and, on high days, the 

 ceremony of kissing hands was exhibited almost in public, for he invari- 

 ably placed himself, in order to enjoy fresh air, at a balcony, where he 

 could be seen by the crowd of people assembled in front of the palace. 

 This not only gratified their curiosity, but, in many cases, seemed to 

 awaken an anxiety for distinction, and to give strength to political 

 principle. Few are disposed to be disloyal, who are allowed to witness 

 the ceremonies of a Court, who know that they also may present them- 

 selves to the sovereign, complying only with established forms, on 

 appointed evenings of the week, and find the road to honours equally 

 open to merit wherever it appears. 



