________________
BOOK XLV. PHING I
OR
THE MEANING OF THE INTERCHANGE OF MIS
SIONS BETWEEN DIFFERENT COURTS'.
1. According to the ceremonies in missions, a duke of the highest grade sent seven attendants with (his representative); a marquis or earl, five ; and a count or baron, three. The difference in number served to show the difference in rank of their principals
2. The messages (between the visitor and the host) were passed through all the attendants, from one to another. A superior man, where he wishes to do honour, will not venture to communicate directly and in person. This was a high tribute of respect.
3. The message was transmitted (only) after the messenger had thrice declined to receive (the courtesies offered to him at the gate); he entered the gate of the ancestral temple after thrice in the same way trying to avoid doing so; thrice he exchanged bows with his conductor before they arrived at the steps; and thrice he yielded the precedence offered to him before he ascended the hall :—so did he carry to
See introductory notice, vol. xxvii, pages 58, 59. ? If the ruler went in person on the mission, he had in every case, according to his rank, two attendants more than the number specified for his representative.
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