, Tchou-Dze-Ti, Fan-Fou." (Yes, yes, yes; such is
the command of the master.) The four Chinese Tchoung-Tang prostrated
themselves in their turn, and said, "Che, che, che, Hoang-Chang-Ti,
Tien-Ngen." (Yes, yes, yes; it is the celestial benefit of the Emperor.)
After this, nothing further had to be said, and the council was
dismissed. This anecdote is perfectly authentic, for Ki-Chan is one of
the eight Tchoung-Tang of the empire. He added that, for his part, he
was persuaded that the Chinese were incapable of contending against the
Europeans, unless they altered their weapons and changed their old
habits; but that he should take care not to say so to the Emperor,
because, besides that the suggestion would be futile in itself, it would
perhaps cost him his life.

Our frequent conferences with the Chinese ambassador, the Regent, and the
Cashmerian governor, contributed not a little to secure for us the
confidence and consideration of the inhabitants of Lha-Ssa. On seeing
the number of those who came to visit us, and to be instructed in our
holy religion, augment from day to day, we felt our hopes enlarge and our
courage increase. Yet, amidst these consolations, one thought constantly
vexed us; it was that we could not present to the Thibetians the
inspiring spectacle of the pompous and touching festivals of Catholicism.
We were convinced that the beauty of our ceremonies would have a powerful
influence over the minds of these people, so eager after all that
appertains to external worship.

The Thibetians, as we have already observed, are eminently religious;
but, with the exception of a few contemplative Lamas, who withdraw to the
summits of mountains and pass their lives in the hollows of rocks, they
are very little disposed to mysticism. Instead of confining their
devotion within their inner hearts, they like, on the contrary, display
by outward acts; and accordingly pilgrimages, noisy ceremonies in the
Lamaseries, prostrations on the tops of their houses, are practices
extremely to their taste. They always have in their hands the Buddhist
rosary, turning and twisting it, and incessantly murmur prayers, even
when they are engaged in business.

There exists at Lha-Ssa a very touching custom, and which we felt a sort
of jealousy at finding among infidels. In the evening, just as the day
is verging on its decline, all the Thibetians stay business, and meet
together, men, women and children, according to their se