70 
<SIAMESE. 
stones; those of his officers have a circle of gold, silver, or of ver- 
milion gilt, to distinguish their quality ; these caps are fastened 
under the chin ; they are only worn in the king’s presence, or in 
courts of justice, and on other extraordinary occasions. They have 
also hats for travelling ; but in general, few people cover their heads, 
notwithstanding the scorching heat of the sun. 
The women also wrap a cloth about their middle, which hangs 
down to the calf of their legs. They cover their breasts with 
another cloth, the ends of which hang down over their shoulders. 
But they have no garment corresponding to a shift, nor any cover- 
ing for their heads but their hair. The common people are almost 
naked, and wear neither shoes nor slippers. The women wear as 
many rings on the three last fingers of each hand as they can keep 
on, and bracelets upon their wrists and ancles, with pendants in their 
ears shaped like a pear. For an inferior to stand before a superior 
is deemed insolent ; and therefore slaves and people of inferior rank 
sit upon their heels, with their head a little inclined, and their joined 
hands lifted up to their foreheads. In passing by a superior they 
bend their bodies, joining their hands and lifting them towards their 
heads. The highest part of the house is esteemed the most honour- 
able. The Siamese, indeed, have but one story, but the rooms rise 
gradually, and the innermost, which are the highest, are always the 
most honourable. 
The Siamese never permit such familiarities as are practised by 
gentlemen in Europe. Easiness of access, and affability to inferiors, 
is in that part of the world thought a sign of weakness ; and yet they 
take no notice of some things which would be looked upon as ill 
breeding among us ; such as belching in company, which no man 
endeavours to prevent, or to conceal, so much as to hold his hand 
before his mouth. 
They have an extraordinary respect for the head, and it is the 
greatest affront to stroke or touch that of another person ; nay, their 
cap must not be used with too much familiarity. They are esteemed 
an ingenious people, and though rather indolent than active, they are 
not addicted to voluptuous vices, which often accompany a state of 
ease, being remarkably chaste and temperate. They are, however, 
insolent towards their inferiors, and equally obsequious to those above 
them. In general their behaviour is extremely modest, and they are 
averse from loquacity. Like the Chinese, they avoid speaking in the 
first person ; and when they address a lady, it is always with some 
respectful epithet, insinuating accomplishments. No man learns any 
particular trade, but has a general knowledge of all that are com- 
monly practised, and every one works six months for the king by 
rotation ; at which time, if he should be found perfectly ignorant 0i 
the business he is set about, he is doomed to suffer the bastinado. 
The consequence of this burdensome service is, that no man endea- 
vours to excel in his business, lest he should be obliged to practise 
it as long as he lives for the benefit of the crown. 
The Siamese maintain the doctrine of transmigration, believing 
in a pre-existent state, and that they shall pass into other bodies till 
they are sufficiently purified to be received into paradise. They 
