Chapter XXXIII: Appendix: IX

This outrageous specimen of oppressive impudence, like other abuses, can be traced up to a very respectable origin--to one of those feelings which do honour to human nature. It is still the custom among the Turks, after a banquet, to give the guests a present which, in the quaint language of Oriental courtesy, they style _dishe parassi_--“teeth-money”--a slight return for the trouble the guest gave himself in partaking of their hospitality. But what was originally a delicate token of respectful affection, under the tyrannical circumstances of Ottoman rule, assumed the form of a degrading and disgusting imposition.

In the same way, _bakshish_ generally, if considered in its origin, is only a very natural expression of love and respect. Presents have always been and still are the proper tokens of friendship among men the world over. But observances of this kind have a knack of degenerating; and the Turk in power soon learnt to exact presents as tribute, until the institution became one of the greatest political evils that ever afflicted a community: it would be no overstating the case to say that the Ottoman Empire has died of _bakshish_.

APPENDIX X

SIR DANIEL HARVEY TO LORD ARLINGTON

[_S.P. Turkey_, 19]

(_Extract_)

PERA OF CONSTANTINOPLE,
_Jan. 31, 1669 [-70]_.

I was received by y^e Grand Segnior according to y^e custome of this Court, except in a condescention w^{ch} I am told this Monarch does not accustome himself to, for after my Memorial was read by my Druggerman, containing a congratulation for his success in Candy & recom͡ending to his consideration y^e senceritie of my Master’s frendshipe by such instances as ware proper to doe it, he asked me if I had anything more to say by word of mouth, whareupon I pressd y^e renuing y^e Capitulations, & y^e adding some new Articles to explain & fortify y^e rest, w^{ch} ware often misinterpreted by inferior ministers to y^e prejiduce of my Masters subjects. he replied y^e Chimacham was his Deputie to whome he refer’d me, & y^t if any of his subjects did any thing contrary to y^e Capitulations w^{th} y^e King of England, he com͡anded him to cutt of thare heads.