Chivalry—­(and the gentleman is the legitimate descendant of the knight of old)—­was ever a devotion to rank rather than to sex.  Don Quixotte, or Sir Piercy Shafestone would not willingly have given place to servant girls.  And upon considerations of humanity and regard to weakness, the case is no stronger.  Such people have nerves considerably more robust than you have, and are quite as capable of riding backwards, or the top, as yourself.  The only reason for politeness in the case is, that perhaps the other passengers are of the same standing with the women, and might eject you from the window if you refuse to give place.

If ladies enter—­and a gentleman distinguishes them in an instant—­the case is altered.  The sooner you move the better is it for yourself, since the rest will in the end have to concede, and you will give yourself a reputation among the party and secure a better seat, by rising at once.

The principle that guides you in society is politeness; that which guides you in a coach is good humour.  You lay aside all attention to form, and all strife after effect, and take instead, kindness of disposition and a willingness to please.  You pay a constant regard to the comfort of your. fellow-prisoners.  You take care not to lean upon the shoulder of your neighbour when you sleep.  You are attentive not to make the stage wait for you at the stopping-places.  When the ladies get out, you offer them your arm, and you do the same when the coachman is driving rapidly over a rough place.  You should make all the accommodations to others, which you can do consistently with your own convenience; for, after all, the individuals are each like little nations; and as, in the one case, the first duty is to your country, so in the other, the first duty is to yourself.

Some surly creatures, upon entering a coach, wrap about their persons a great coat of cloth, and about their minds a mantle of silence, which are not thrown off during the whole journey.  This is doing more harm to themselves than to others.  You should make a point of conversing with an appearance of entire freedom, though with real reserve, with all those who are so disposed.

One purpose and pleasure of travelling is to gain information, and to observe the various characters of persons.  You will be asked by others about the road you passed over, and it will be awkward if you can give no account of it.  Converse, therefore, with all.  Relate amusing stories, chiefly of other countries, and even of other times, so as not to offend any one.  If engaged in discussion—­and a coach is almost the only place where discussion should not be avoided—­state facts and arguments rather than opinions.  Never answer impudent questions-and never ask them.