and the heats of
summer; the commodious shoe, which leaves the feet uncrumpled and free
from the results of the tighter and closer ones of the West, were laid
aside for the dress of Europe. The only part of the garb which we use,
that he did not assume and compel his people to accept, was the unseemly
and uncomfortable hat, and this he would also have taken, had religion
not interposed to prevent it. Of all parts of the Christian's costume,
the hat is the most calculated to inspire disgust in the sight of the
native of the Orient, and if ever he adopts it, it is because it is
supposed to cover him with protection against the injustice of his own
rulers, and not from any preference or even choice. It is always an
object of ridicule, and serves to point many a remark of derision and
contempt against the wearer. On the other hand, what is more noble and
dignified than the turban, with its snowy white folds, or its varied
hues of green or red? Just as the external appearance of the colored
man, and the knowledge of his total deprivation of civil abilities
perpetuates the existing prejudice against him, so does the dress of the
Frank clothe him with all that is distasteful and revolting in the eyes
of the native of the East, with his prejudices dating back to the
earlier days of the prophets. To pass over the external appearances of
the reformed Eastern, let us examine the results of the civilization of
Europe with which his costume has clothed him. Tight clothes have
unfitted him for the broad and soft luxury of the sofa, and many persons
resume the flowing robe and full trowsers within doors, so as to be able
to enjoy the comforts which they lost with them. For the same reason,
they must sit at a high table, on a high chair. The sleeve of the tight
coat scarcely permits of being rolled up, so that the man of the East
can return to his primitive use of his fingers in place of the fork, and
for this he rejects the coat for the flowing pelisse, or he goes to his
meal in his shirt-sleeves. It is amusing to see the _homme de bureau_,
or the humble clerk, endeavoring to sit on his sofa cross-legged, with
his writing paraphernalia before him as formerly, or to examine the
broad chair which he has had to invent, so as to suit himself to his new
transitory state. It may even be doubted whether he has gained any thing
by the change, as a _cavalier_, for the full trowsers were far more
comfortable than the present tight pantaloons, and