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BIRMAH.
one of the largest and most splendid in the empire.
To give an accurate description of this noble edifice,
and perhaps a better
requires an abler pen than mine ;
one of its construction and dimensions cannot be
given, than that which has already been presented to
the public by Col. Symes, of a similar pagoda at Pegu.
The beauty and variety of its appendages, however,
are far superior. After having ascended the flight of
steps, a large gate opens, when a wild, fairy scene is
abruptly presented to view. The ground is completely
covered with a variety of ludicrous objects, which
meet the eye in every direction, interspersed with the
banyan, cocoa-nut, and toddy trees. Here and there
are large open buildings, containing huge images of
Guadama, some in a sitting, some in a sleeping position,
surrounded by images of priests and attendants, in the
act of worship, or listening to his instructions. Before
the image of Guadama are erected small altars, on
which offerings of fruit, flowers, &c. are laid. Large
images of elephants, lions, angels, and demons, together
with a number of indescribable objects, assist in
filling the picturesque scene."
It was in the year 1813, that this estimable missionary
and his wife, bidding farewell to the comforts
of civilised life and the privileges of Christian
society, took up their residence at Rangoon, with the
resolution of devoting themselves to the study of the
language, for the purpose of being qualified to translate
the Holy Scriptures and other religious works into
Birman. There were at the time no English families
in the town, nor a female in all Birmah with whom
Mrs. Judson could converse. The difficulties to be
overcome were appalling, and their situation was alike
cheerless and defenceless, surrounded by despotism,
avarice, and cruelty, and the palpable darkness of