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fore answered instantly, "You shall be very welcome, upon my head be it." Upon this the miserable wretch, half naked, laid down a dirty clout containing about ten dates, and the Shekh's servant that had attended him returned in triumph.
I mention this trifling circumstance, to shew how essential to humane and civil intercourse presents are considered to be in the east; whether it be dates, or whether it be diamonds, they are so much a part of their manners, that, without them an inferior will never be at peace in his own mind, or think that he has a hold of his superior for his favour or protection.
CHAP.
