Shah of Persia

[snowyday]

Once, arriving in London on a visit of state, the Shah of Persia avidly

observed the bustling life of the great metropolis as he passed down

the street in an open carriage.

He glimpsed a small urchin perched on a lamppost, thumbling his nose

and asked the British diplomat accompanying him to explain the meaning

of the gesture.

“That, Your Majesty,†came the unctuous reply, “is a token of great respect.â€

The Shah was leaving the British capital a few days later, when he bethought

himself of the many courtesies and kindnesses he had received at the hands

of British officialdom. So to show his esteem for the assembled nobility at the

railroad station, he thrust his head out of the railway carriage and slowly and

gracefully thumbed his nose at them.

* * * *

from a 1953 New York Newspaper.

(For those of you that don't remember the nose thumbing, this was before

shooting someone a bird became the norm.)