TIBET. 
247 
The age of Soopoon Choomboo, at that time, did not exceed thirty. 
In stature he was rather low, but well proportioned, and not at all 
inclined to corpulency. His countenance was open and ingenuous, yet 
his features were unequivocally impressed with the Tartar character: 
small eyes, thin eyebrows, high cheek bones, and without even the 
rudiments of a beard. His complexion was not darker than that of an 
Arab, or a Spaniard. 
Though possessing an acknowledged superiority of talent, inform¬ 
ation, and influence over his countrymen, he made no parade of these 
advantages, but conducted himselfwith singular humility, mildness, and 
modesty. He was not less communicative in his conversation, than 
conciliating in his manners, and, as our acquaintance improved, I found 
him cheerful, and occasionally jocose. 
The public office Soopoon Choomboo bore, as I have already ob¬ 
served, was that of Sadeek to the late Teshoo Lama. Were I to seek 
for a title analogous to Sadeek, in our own language, by which I might 
render it intelligible to an English reader, I should be at a loss to find 
one of so comprehensive a signification. Though perhaps I might with 
some propriety style him, from his situation in the court of the sove¬ 
reign Pontiff, Prime Minister, or Cardinal, yet who would expect to 
find the domestic servant, in a person invested with so high a title? Nor 
yet does, Lord Chamberlain of the Household; Master of the Ceremo¬ 
nies, and Master of the Robes, convey a complete idea of his duties 
and his station. 
The Sadeek receives and communicates the Lama’s commands; he is 
the immediate channel of conveying all information to him; he makes 
