[125]La Fage, des Chinois, p. 269.
[126]First it was Haydn, then Handel, then Mozart, then Beethoven and to-day Wagner (a few years ago, Schumann) whose bold eagle-flights dismayed the more timid owls.
[127]“Among the Chinese themselves, society chiefly consists of certain stated forms, and expressions, a calm, equal, cold deportment, hypocritical attentions, and hyperbolical professions.” Barrow’s Life of Macartney, v. 2, p. 414. The curious reader will also find a very full description of Chinese social etiquette, in the “Description de la Chine,” by Pere Du Halde, pages 115 to 154, vol. 2. Rules are given for set formalities, even on the slightest occasions, such as, the opening of a conversation when visiting (p. 126), the exit, the rising from table after meals, (138), etc., etc. It is possible, that in the customs of this people, we may see a living reproduction of some traits of the ancient Egyptians
[128]Barrow’s life of Macartney, v. 2, p. 231.
[129]Ibid, v. 2, p. 217
[130]Desc. de la Chine. T. II. p. 132. In La Fage’s quotation the page is given as 112, probably an oversight, or a later edition.
[131]Account of Lord Macartney’s embassy, by Sir George Staunton.
[132]Musical Myths and Facts, vol. 2, p. 163.
[133]La Fage Mus. des. Chinois T. 1. p. 302
[134]Leit motiven however the Chinese have not!!