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THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
These lofty titles are attended with correspondent rever- 
ence on the part of his own subjects. No one dares 
approach him without prostrating himself three several times 
before the throne, each time repeating a long string of 
his Majesty’s titles with the utmost fervour. No one even of 
the highest rank is allowed to cough, or spit in his pre- 
sence. Every one is silent before him, nor does any one 
even in a whisper venture to address another. The solemn 
gravity of his nobles when admitted into the royal pre- 
sence, altogether corresponds with the greatness of the 
occasion. The chief Adigar or Prime Minister is the only 
person who is permitted to stand in the royal presence ; and 
even he is obliged to be some steps lower than his Majesty, 
as no one dares be on a level with him who is descended 
from the Sun, as all the kings of Ceylon are supposed to be. 
The business of state is transacted between the kinsr and 
the Adigar in low whispers, so as not to be overheard 
by any one present ; and any message from his Majesty 
to the others is conveyed in the same manner by the 
Adigar. 
This extreme caution to prevent the smallest appearance 
of equalization with royalty, is not confined alone to 
the court, and to those who approach his person. Restrain- 
ing edicts for the same purpose are attached to indifferent 
things throughout the kingdom. No one, for instance, is 
allowed to whiten the walls of his house or to cover the 
roof with tiles, as these are privileges reserved exclusively 
