The visiting Rajah announces beforehand the
number of the suite he is bringing with him, and the Viceroy has a
precisely similar number, so two corresponding rows of cane arm-
chairs are placed opposite each other, at right angles to the
throne. Behind the chairs twelve resplendent red-and-gold-coated
servants with blue-and-silver turbans, hold the gilt maces aloft,
whilst behind the throne eight more gorgeously apparelled natives
hold two long-handled fans of peacock's feathers, two silver-
mounted yak's tails, and two massive sheaves of peacock's
feathers, all these being the Eastern emblems of sovereignty.
We will suppose this particular Rajah to be a "nine-gun" and a
"three-step" man. Bang go the cannon from Fort William nine times,
and the Viceroy, in full uniform with decorations, duly advances
three steps on the gold carpet to greet his visitor. The Viceroy
seats himself on his silver-gilt throne at the top of the three
steps, the visiting Rajah in his silver chair being one step
lower. The two suites seat themselves facing each other in dead
silence; the Europeans assuming an absolutely Oriental impassivity
of countenance.
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